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MARY BAKER G. EDDY, 

The Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science. 



MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 



1883-1896. 



BY 



MARY BAKER G. EDDY, 

AUTHOR OF "SCIENCE AND HEALTH WITH KEY TO THE 
SCRIPTURES." 



TWENTY-FIRST EDITION. 



1897 J U 



BOSTON: 

PUBLISHED BY JOSEPH ARMSTRONG, C.S.D. 

95 Falmouth Street. 

1897. 



J 






Copyright, 1896, 
By Mary Baker G. Eddy. 



All rights reserved. 



/Z-3/fff 



THE LIBRARY 
OF C ONGR ESS 

WASHINGTON 



©tottaits Press: 

John Wilson and Son, Cambridge, U.S.A. 






TO 

Hogal Christian Scientists; 

IN THIS AND EVERY LAND, 

I LOVINGLY DEDICATE THESE PRACTICAL TEACHINGS, 

INDISPENSABLE TO THE CULTURE AND ACHIEVEMENTS WHICH 

CONSTITUTE THE SUCCESS OF A STUDENT, 

AND DEMONSTRATE THE ETHICS 

OF CHRISTIAN SCIENCE. 

MARY BAKER G. EDDY. 



Prat thee, take care, that tak'st my book in hand, 
To read it well ; that is, to understand. 

Ben Jonson : Epigram h 

When I would know thee . . . my thought looks 
Upon thy well made choice of friends and books ; 
Then do I love thee, and behold thy ends 
In making thy friends books, and thy books friends. 

Ben Jonson : Epigram 86. 



If worlds were formed by matter, 

And mankind from the dust ; 
Till time shall end more timely, 

There 's nothing here to trust. 

Thenceforth to evolution's 

Geology, we say, — 
Nothing have we gained therefrom, 

And nothing have to pray : 

My world has sprung from Spirit, 

In everlasting day; 
Whereof, I 've more to glory, 

Wherefor, have much to pay. 

Mary Baker Eddy. 



PREFACE. 



ACEKTALN" apothegm of a Talmudical philosopher 
suits my sense of doing good. It reads thus: 
" The noblest charity is to prevent a man from 
accepting charity; and the best alms are to show and to 
enable a man to dispense with alms." 

In the early history of Christian Science, among my 
thousands of students few were wealthy. 'Now, Chris- 
tian Scientists are not indigent; and their comfortable 
fortunes are acquired by healing mankind morally, 
physically, spiritually. The easel of time presents 
pictures — once fragmentary and faint — now rejuve- 
nated by the touch of God's right hand. Where joy, 
sorrow, hope, disappointment, sigh, and smile com- 
mingled, now hope sits dove-like. 

To preserve a long course of years still and uni- 
form, amid the uniform darkness of storm and cloud and 
tempest, requires strength from above, — deep draughts 
from the fount of divine Love. Truly may it be said: 
There is an old age of the heart, and a youth that never 
grows old; a Love that is a boy, and a Psyche who is 
ever a girl. The fleeting freshness of youth, however, 
is not the ever-green of Soul; the coloring glory of 



Vlll PREFACE. 

perpetual bloom; the spiritual glow and grandeur of 
a consecrated life wherein dwelleth peace, sacred and 
sincere in trial or in triumph. 

The opportunity has at length offered itself for me 
to comply with an oft-repeated request; namely, to col- 
lect my miscellaneous writings published in the Chris- 
tian Science Journal, since April 1883, and republish 
them in book-form, — accessible as reference, and re- 
liable as old landmarks. Owing to the manifold de- 
mands on my time in the early pioneer days, most of 
these articles were originally written in haste, with- 
out due preparation. To those heretofore in print, a few 
articles are herein appended. To some articles are 
affixed data, where these are most requisite, to serve as 
milestones measuring the distance, — or the difference 
between then and now, — in the opinions of men and 
the progress of our Cause. 

My signature has been slightly changed from my 
Christian name, Mary Morse Baker. Timidity in early 
years caused me, as an author, to assume various noms 
de plume. After my first marriage, to Colonel Glover 
of Charleston, South Carolina, I dropped the name of 
Morse to retain my maiden name, — thinking that 
otherwise the name would be too long. 

In 1894, I received from the Daughters of the Amer- 
ican Revolution a certificate of membership made out 
to Mary Baker Eddy, and thereafter adopted that form 
of signature, except in connection with my published 
works. The first edition of Science and Health 



PREFACE. IX 

having been copyrighted at date of its issue, 1875, in 
my name of Glover, caused me to retain the initial " G." 
on my subsequent books. 

These pages, although a reproduction of what has 
been written, are still in advance of their time; and 
are richly rewarded by what they have hitherto 
achieved for the race. While no offering can liquidate 
one's debt of gratitude to God, the fervent heart and 
willing hand are not unknown to nor unrewarded by 
Him. 

May this volume be to the reader a graphic guide- 
book pointing the path, dating the unseen, and enabling 
him to walk the untrodden in the hitherto unexplored 
fields of Science. At each recurring holiday, the Chris- 
tian Scientist will find herein a "canny" crumb; and 
thus, may time's pastimes become footsteps to joys 
eternal. 

Realism will at length be found to surpass imagina- 
tion, and to suit and savor all literature. The shuttle- 
cock of religious intolerance will fall to the ground, if 
there be no battledores to fling it back and forth. It is 
reason for rejoicing that the vox populi is inclined 
to grant us peace, together with pardon for the prelim- 
inary battles that purchased it. 

With tender tread, thought sometimes walks in mem- 
ory, through the dim corridors of years, on to old battle 
grounds, there sadly to survey the fields of the slain 
and the enemy's losses. In compiling this work, I have 
tried to remove the pioneer signs and ensigns of war, 



X PREFACE. 

and to retain at this date the privileged armaments of 
peace. 

"With armor on, I continue the march, command 
and countermand; meantime interluding with loving 
thought this afterpiece of battle. Supported, cheered, 
I take my pen and pruning-hook, to " learn war no 
more," and with strong wing to lift my readers above 
the smoke of conflict into light and liberty. 

Maey Bakee Eddy. 
Concobd, N. H., 

January, 1897. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

Introductory. 

Page 

Prospectus 1 

A Timely Issue 4 

Love Your Enemies 8 

Christian Theism 13 

The Xew Birth 15 

CHAPTER n. 
One Cause and Effect 21 

CHAPTER III. 
Questions and Answers 31 

CHAPTER IV. 

Addresses. 

Christian Science in Tremont Temple 95 

Science and the Senses 98 

Extract from my First Address in the Mother 

Church, May 26, 1895 106 



Xll CONTENTS. 

Page 
Address before the Alumni of Massachusetts Meta- 
physical College, 1895 110 

Address before the Christian Scientist Association 
of the Massachusetts Metaphysical College 

in 1893. Subject, "Obedience" 116 

Communion Address, January, 1896 121 

Message to the Annual Meeting of the Mother 

Church, Boston, 1896 126 



CHAPTER V. 

Letters. 

To the Mother Church 129 

To on Prayer 132 

To the National Christian Scientist Association . 134 

To the College Association 136 

To the National Christian Scientist Association . 137 

To the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston . 139 

To Donors of Boat, from Toronto, Canada .... 142 

Address, — Laying the Corner Stone 143 

To The First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston . 146 
The First Members of The First Church of Christ, 

Scientist, Boston, Massachusetts 147 

Extract from a letter 148 

To the Mother Church 149 

To First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Oconto, 

Wis 149 

To First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Scranton 150 

To First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Denver . 152 

To First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Lawrence 154 

To Correspondents 155 

To Students 156 

A Student 157 

To a Student 158 

Extract from a Christmas Letter 159 



CONTENTS. 



xm 



CHAPTER VI. 

A Christmas Sermon. 

Page 

The Corporeal and Incorporeal Saviour . . . . 161 

Extracts from Sermon 168 

Extract from a Sermon delivered in Boston, Jan- 
uary 18, 1885 171 

Sunday Sermon on July 4. — Extempore Remarks . 176 

Easter Services 177 

Bible Lessons 180 

CHAPTER VII. 
Pond and Purpose 203 

CHAPTER VIII. 
Precept upon Precept. 



" Thy Will be done •' 
" Put up Thy Sword " 
Scientific Theism . . 
Mental Practice . . 
Taking Offence . . . 
Hints to the Clergy . 
Perfidy and Slander . 

Contagion 

Improve your Time 
Thanksgiving Dinner . 
Christian Science . . 

Injustice 

Reformers 

Mrs. Eddy Sick . . 
"I've Got Cold" . . 
Prayer and Healing . 
Veritas Odium Parit . 
Falsehood 



208 


Love 


250 


214 


How Sleep the Brave ! 


251 


216 


George Eliot's Poetry, 




219 


AND OTHER STUDIES . 


252 


223 


The Journeyings of 




225 


Jesus 


252 


226 


Well Doinge is the 




228 


Fruite of Doinge 




230 


Well 


253 


230 


Little Gods .... 


255 


232 


Advantage of Mind- 




235 


Healing 


255 


237 


A Card 


256 


238 


Spirit and Law . . . 


256 


239 


Truth-Healing ... 


259 


242 


Heart to Heart . . 


262 


245 


Things to be Thought 




248 


of 


263 



XIV 



CONTENTS. 



Page 

Unchristian Rumor . 266 

Vainglory 267 

Compounds 270 

Close of the Massa- 
chusetts Metaphysi- 
cal College . . . 271 
Malicious Reports . . 274 
Loyal Christian Scien- 
tists 275 

The March Primary 

Class 279 

Obtrusive Mental Heal- 
ing 282 

Wedlock 285 

Judge Not 290 

A New Commandment . 292 

A Cruce Salus . . . 293 
Comparison to English 

Barmaids 294 

A Christian Science 

Statute 297 



Page 

Advice to Students . 298 

Notice 303 

Angels 306 

Deification of Person- 
ality 307 

A Card 310 

Overflowing Thoughts 310 
A Great Man and His 

Saying 312 

Words of Commenda- 
tion 313 

Church and School . 313 
Class, Pulpit, Students' 

Students . . , . 316 
My Students and Thy 

Students 318 

Unseen Sin 318 

A Word to the Wise . 319 

Christmas 320 

Card 321 

Message to Church . , 322 



CHAPTER IX. 
The Fruit of Spirit. 



An Allegory .... 
Voices of Spring . . 
Where Art Thou? . . 
Divine Science . . . 

Fidelity 

True Philosophy and 

Communion .... 
Origin of Evil . . . 
Truth Versus Error . 
Fallibility of Human 

Concepts 



323 


The Way 


355 


329 


Science and Philosophy 


360 


332 


" Take Heed ! " . . . 


368 


336 


The Cry of Christmas- 




339 


tide 


369 




Blind Leaders . . • 


370 


344 


Christ and Christmas 


372 


346 


Sunrise at Pleasant 




346 


View 


376 



352 



CONTENTS. 



XV 



CHAPTER X. 



Inklings Historic 



Page 
378 



CHAPTER XL 



Poems. 



De- 

AND 



Come Thou . . 
Meeting of my 

parted Mother 

Husband 

Love 

Woman's Rights . 
The Mother's Evening 

Prayer . - . 

June x 

Wish and Item . 
The Oak on the Moun 

tain's Summit 
Isle of Wight 
Hope .... 



384 



385 

387 
388 

389 
390 
391 

392 
392 
394 



Rondelet 394 

To Mr. James T. White 395 

Autumn 395 

Christ My Refuge . . 396 
Shepherd, Show me How 

to Go 397 

Communion Hymn . . 398 

Laus Deo! 399 

A Verse for the Little 

Children .... 400 
A Verse for the Big 

Children 400 



CHAPTER XII. 



Testimonials . . . 
How to Understand 



Science and Health 



401 
464 



MISCELLANEOUS WETTINGS. 



CHAPTEE I. 

PKOSPECTUS. 



THE ancient Greek looked longingly for the Olym- 
piad. The Chaldee watched the appearing of a 
star; to him, no higher destiny dawned on the 
dome of being, than that foreshadowed by signs in the 
heavens. The meek ^N"azarene, the scoffed of all scof- 
fers, said, " Ye can discern the face of the sky; but can 
ye not discern the signs of the times? " — for he forefelt 
and foresaw the ordeal of a perfect Christianity, hated by 
sinners. 

To kindle all minds with a gleam of gratitude, the 
new idea that comes welling up from infinite Truth needs 
to be understood. The seer of this age should be a 
sage. 

Humility is the stepping-stone to a higher recognition 
of Deity. The mounting sense gathers fresh forms and 
strange fire from the ashes of dissolving self, and drops 
the world. Meekness heightens immortal attributes, 
only by removing the dust that dims them. Goodness 
reveals another scene and another self seemingly rolled 

1 



2 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

up in shades, but brought to light by the evolutions of 
advancing thought, whereby we discern the power of 
Truth and Love to heal the sick. 

Pride is ignorance; those assume most who have the 
least wisdom or experience; and they steal from their 
neighbor, because they have so little of their own. 

The signs of these times portend a long and strong 
determination of mankind to cleave to the world, the 
flesh, and evil, causing great obscuration of Spirit. 
When we remember that God is just, and admit the 
total depravity of mortals, alias mortal mind, — and that 
this Adam legacy must first be seen, and then must be 
subdued and recompensed by justice, the eternal attri- 
bute of Truth, — the outlook demands labor, and the 
laborers seem few. To-day, we behold but the first 
faint view of a more spiritual Christianity, that embraces 
a deeper and broader philosophy and a more rational 
and divine healing. The time approaches when divine 
Life, Truth, and Love, will be found alone the remedy 
for sin, sickness, and death; when God, man's saving 
Principle, and Christ, the spiritual idea of God, will 
be revealed. 

Man's probation after death is the necessity of his 
immortality; for Good dies not, and evil is self -destruc- 
tive, therefore evil must be mortal and self-destroyed. 
If man should not progress after death, but should re- 
main in error, he would be inevitably self -annihilated. 
Those upon whom " the second death hath no power " 
are those who progress here and hereafter out of evil, 
their mortal element, and into Good that is immortal; 
thus laying off the material beliefs that war against 
Spirit, and putting on the spiritual elements in Divine 
Science. 



PROSPECTUS. 3 

"While we entertain decided views as to the best 
method for elevating the race physically, morally, 
and spiritually, and shall express these views as duty 
• demands, we shall claim no especial gift from our divine 
origin, no supernatural power. If we regard good as 
more natural than evil, and spiritual understanding — 
the true knowledge of God — as imparting the only 
power to heal the sick and the sinner, we shall demon- 
strate in our lives the power of Truth and Love. 

The lessons we learn in Divine Science are applica- 
ble to all the needs of man. Jesus taught them for 
this very purpose; and his demonstration hath taught 
us that " through his stripes " — his life-experience — ■ 
and Divine Science brought to the understanding 
through Christ, the Spirit-revelator, is man healed and 
saved. No opinions of mortals nor human hypotheses 
enter this line of thought or action. Drugs, inert matter, 
never are needed to aid spiritual power. Hygiene, ma- 
nipulation, or mesmerism, is not Mind's medicine. The 
Principle of all cure is God, unerring and immortal 
Mind. We have learned that the erring or mortal 
thought holds in itself all sin, sickness, and death, and 
imparts these states to the body; while the supreme and 
perfect Mind, as seen in the Truth of Being, antidotes 
and destroys these material elements of sin and death. 

Because God is supreme and omnipotent, materia 
medica, hygiene, and animal magnetism, are impotent; 
and their only supposed efficacy is in apparently delud- 
ing reason, denying revelation, and dethroning Deity. 
The tendency of mental healing is to uplift mankind; 
but this method perverted, is " Satan let loose." Hence 
the deep demand for the Science of psychology to meet 
sin, and uncover it; thus to annihilate hallucination. 



4 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

Thought imbued with purity, Truth, and Love, in- 
structed in the Science of metaphysical healing, is the 
most potent and desirable remedial agent on the earth. 
At this period, there is a marked tendency of mortal 
mind to plant mental healing on the basis of hypnotism, 
calling this method " mental science." All Science is 
Christian Science; the Science of the Mind that is God, 
and of the universe as His idea, and their relation to 
each other. Its only power to heal, is its power to do 
good, not evil. 

A TIMELY ISSUE. 

At this date, 1883, a newspaper edited and pub- 
lished by the Christian Scientists has become a 
necessity. Many questions important to be disposed 
of come to the College and to the practising stu- 
dents, yet but little time has been devoted to their 
answer. Further enlightenment is necessary for the age, 
and a periodical devoted to this work seems alone ade- 
quate to meet the requirement. Much interest is 
awakened and expressed on the subject of metaphysical 
healing, but in many minds it is confounded with ? isms, 
and even infidelity, so that its religious specialty and the 
vastness of its worth are not understood. 

It is often said, " You must have a very strong will- 
power to heal," or, " It must require a great deal of faith 
to make your demonstrations." When it is answered 
that there is no will-power required, and that something 
more than faith is necessary, we meet with an expression 
of incredulity. It is not alone the mission of Christian 
Science to heal the sick, but to destroy sin in mortal 



A TIMELY ISSUE. 5 

thought. This work well done, will elevate and purify 
the race. It cannot fail to do this if we devote our best 
energies to the work. 

Science reveals man as spiritual, harmonious, and 
eternal. This should be understood. Our College 
should be crowded with students who are willing to 
consecrate themselves to this Christian work. Mothers 
should be able to produce perfect health and perfect 
morals in their children — and ministers, to heal the sick 
— by studying this scientific method of practising Chris- 
tianity. Many say, " I should like to study, but have 
not sufficient faith that I have the power to heal." The 
healing power is Truth and Love, and these do not fail 
in the greatest emergencies. 

Materia mcdica says, " I can do no more. I have 
done all that can be done. There is nothing to build 
upon. There is no longer any reason for hope." Then 
metaphysics comes in, armed with the power of Spirit, 
not matter, takes up the case hopefully and builds on 
the stone that the builders have rejected, and is suc- 
cessful. 

Metaphysical Therapeutics can seem a miracle and a 
mystery to those only who do not understand the grand 
reality that Mind controls the body. They acknowledge 
an erring or mortal mind, but believe it to be brain mat- 
ter. That man is the idea of infinite Mind, always 
perfect in God, in Truth, Life, and Love, is something 
not easily accepted, weighed down as is mortal thought 
with material beliefs. That which never existed, can 
seem solid substance to this thought. It is much easier 
for people to believe that the body affects the mind, 
than that the mind affects the body. 



6 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

TTe hear from the pulpits that sickness is sent as a 
discipline to bring man nearer to God, — even though 
sickness often leaves mortals but little time free from 
complaints and fretfulness, and Jesus cast out disease as 
evil. 

The most of our Christian Science practitioners have 
plenty to do, and many more are needed for the ad- 
vancement of the age. At present the majority of the 
acute cases are given to the M. D.'s, and only those 
cases that are pronounced incurable are passed over to 
the Scientist. The Healing of such cases should cer- 
tainly prove to all minds the power of metaphysics over 
physics; and it surely does, to many thinkers, as the 
rapid growth of the work shows. At no distant day, 
Christian healing will rank' far in advance of allopathy 
and homoeopathy; for Truth must ultimately succeed 
where error fails. 

Mind governs all. That we exist in God, perfect, 
there is no doubt, for the conceptions of Life, Truth, and 
Love, must be perfect; and with that basic Truth we 
conquer sickness, sin, and death. Frequently it re- 
quires time to overcome the patient's faith in drugs and 
material hygiene; but when once convinced of the use- 
lessness of such material methods, the gain is rapid. 

It is a noticeable fact, that in families where laws 
of health are strictly enforced, great caution is observed 
in regard to diet, and the conversation chiefly confined 
to the ailments of the body, there is the most sickness. 
Take a large family of children where the mother has 
all that she can attend to in keeping them clothed and 
fed, and health is generally the rule; whereas, in small 
families of one or two children, sickness is by no means 



A TIMELY ISSUE. 7 

the exception. These children must not be allowed to 
eat certain food, nor to breathe the cold air, because 
there is danger in it; when they perspire, they must be 
loaded down with coverings until their bodies become 
dry, — and the mother of one child is often busier than 
the mother of eight. 

Great charity and humility is necessary in this work 
of healing. The loving patience of Jesus, we must 
strive to emulate. " Thou shalt love thy neighbor as 
thyself" has daily to be exemplified; and, although 
skepticism and incredulity prevail in places where 
one would least expect it, it harms not; for if serving 
Christ, Truth, of what can mortal opinion avail? Cast 
not your pearls before swine; but if you cannot bring 
peace to all, you can to many, if faithful laborers in His 
vineyard. 

Looking over, the newspapers of the day, one naturally 
reflects that it is dangerous to live, so loaded with disease 
seems the very air. These descriptions carry fears to 
many minds, to be depicted in some future time upon 
the body. A periodical of our own will counteract to 
some extent this public nuisance ; for through our paper, 
at the price at which we shall issue it, we shall be able 
to reach many homes with healing, purifying thought. 
A great work already has been done, and a greater 
work yet remains to be done. Oftentimes we are 
denied the results of our labors because people do 
not understand the nature and power of metaphysics, 
and they think that health and strength would have 
returned naturally without any assistance. This is 
not so much from a lack of justice, as it is that the 
mens populi is not sufficiently enlightened on this 



8 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

great subject. More thought is given to material illu- 
sions than to spiritual facts. If we can aid in abating 
suffering and diminishing sin, we shall have accom- 
plished much; but if we can bring to the general thought 
this great fact that drugs do not, cannot, produce health 
and harmony, since " in Him (Mind) we live, move, and 
have our being, " we shall have done more. 



LOYE YOUR ENEMIES. 

Who is thine enemy that thou should'st love him? 
Is it a creature or a thing outside thine own creation? 

Can you see an enemy, except you first formulate this 
enemy and then look upon the object of your own con- 
ception? What is it that harms you? Can " height, or 
depth, or any other creature " separate you from the 
Love that is omnipresent Good, — that blesses infinitely 
one and all? 

Simply count your enemy to be that which defiles, 
defaces, and dethrones the Christ-image that you should 
reflect. Whatever purifies, sanctifies, and consecrates 
human life, is not an enemy, however much we suffer in 
the process. Shakespeare Avrites: "Sweet are the uses 
of adversity." Jesus said: "Blessed are ye, when men 
shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all 
manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake; 
. . . for so persecuted they the prophets which were 
before you." 

The Hebrew law with its " Thou shalt not," its de- 
mand and sentence, can only be fulfilled through the 
Gospel's benediction. Then, " Blessed are ye," inso- 
much as the consciousness of good, grace, and peace, 



LOVE YOUR ENEMIES. 9 

comes through affliction rightly understood, as sanctified 
by the purification it brings to the flesh, — to pride, self- 
ignorance, self-will, self-love, self -justification. Sweet, 
indeed, are these uses of His rod! Well is it that the 
Shepherd of Israel passes all His flock under His rod 
into His fold; thereby numbering them, and giving them 
refuge at last from the elements of earth. 

" Love thine enemies " is identical with, " Thou hast 
no enemies." Wherein is this conclusion relative to 
those who have hated thee without a cause? Simply, in 
that those unfortunate individuals are virtually thy best 
friends. Primarily and ultimately, they are doing thee 
good far beyond the present sense which thou canst 
entertain of good. 

Whom we call friends seem to sweeten life's cup and 
to fill it with the nectar of the gods. We lift this cup 
to our lips; but it slips from our grasp, to fall in frag- 
ments before our eyes. Perchance, having tasted its 
tempting wine, we become intoxicated; become lethar- 
gic, loathsome objects of self-satisfaction: else, the con- 
tents of this cup of sensual human enjoyment having 
lost its flavor, we voluntarily set it aside as tasteless and 
unworthy of human aims. 

And wherefore our failure longer to relish this bever- 
age of the senses, with its delicious forms of intoxication, 
wherewith mortals become educated to gratification 
in forbidden pleasure and trained in treacherous peace? 
Because it is the great and only danger in the 
path that winds upward. A false sense of what con- 
stitutes friendship, is more disastrous to human progress 
than all that an enemy, or enmity, can obtrude upon 
the mind or engraft upon its purposes and achievements, 



10 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

wherewith to obstruct life's joys and enhance its sor- 
rows. 

We have no enemies. Whatever envy, hatred, 
revenge — the most remorseless motives that govern 
mortal mind — whatever these try to do, shall " work 
together for good to them that love God." 

Why? 

Because He has called His own, armed them, equipped 
them, and furnished them defences impregnable. Their 
God will not let them be lost; and if they fall they shall 
rise again, stronger than before the stumble. The good 
cannot* lose their God, their help in times of trouble. 
If they mistake the divine command they will recover 
it, countermand their order, retrace their steps, and 
reinstate His orders, more assured to press on safely. 
The best lesson of their lives is gained by crossing 
swords with temptation, with fear and the besetments 
of evil; insomuch as they thereby have tried their 
strength and proven it; insomuch as they have found 
their strength made perfect in weakness, and their fear 
is self-immolated. 

This destruction is a moral chemicalization wherein 
old things pass away, and all things become new. The 
worldly or material tendencies of human affections and 
pursuits are thus annihilated; and this is the advent of 
spiritualization. Heaven comes down to earth, and 
mortals learn at last the lesson, " I have no enemies." 

Even in belief you have but one (that, not in reality), 
and this one enemy is yourself — : your erroneous belief 
that you have enemies; that evil is real; that aught but 
good exists in Science. Soon or late, your enemy will 
wake from his delusion to suffer for his evil intent; to 
find that, though thwarted, its punishment is tenfold. 



LOVE YOUR ENEMIES. ll 

Love is the fulfilling of the law: it is grace, mercy, 
and justice. I used to think it sufficiently just to abide 
by our State statutes; that if a man should aim a ball at 
my heart, and I by firing first could kill him and save 
my own life, that this was right. I thought, also, that 
if I taught indigent students gratuitously, afterwards 
assisting them pecuniarily, and did not cease teach- 
ing the wayward ones at close of the class-term, but 
followed them with precept upon precept; that if my 
instructions had healed them and shown them the sure 
way of salvation, — I had done my whole duty to 
students. 

Love metes not out human justice, but divine mercy. 
If one's life were attacked, and one could save it only 
in' accordance with common law, by taking another's, 
would one sooner give up his own? We must love our 
enemies in all the manifestations wherein and whereby 
we love our friends; must even try not to expose their 
faults, but to do them good whenever opportunity oc- 
curs. To mete out human justice to those who per- 
secute and despitefully use one, is not leaving all 
retribution to God and returning blessing for cursing. 
If special opportunity for doing good to one's enemies 
occur not, one can include them in his general effort 
to benefit the race. Because I can do much general 
good to such as hate me, I do it with earnest, special 
care — since they permit me no other way, though with 
tears have I striven for it. When smitten on one cheek, 
I have turned the other : I have but two to present. 

I would enjoy taking by the hand all who love me not, 
and saying to them, " / love you, and would not know- 
ingly harm you." Because I thus feel, I say to others, 



12 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

Hate no one; for hatred is a plague-spot that spreads 
its virus and kills at last. If indulged, it masters us; 
brings suffering upon suffering to its possessor through- 
out time, and beyond the grave. If you have been 
badly wronged, forgive and forget : God will recompense 
this wrong, and punish, more severely than you could, 
him who has striven to injure you. ^ever return evil 
for evil; and, above all, do not fancy that you have been 
wronged when you have not been. 

The present is ours; the future, big with events. 
Every man and woman should be to-day a law to him- 
self, herself, — a law of loyalty to Jesus' Sermon on the 
Mount. The means for sinning unseen and unpunished 
have so increased that, unless one be watchful and stead- 
fast in Love, one's temptations to sin are increased a 
hundred-fold. Mortal mind at this period mutely works 
in the interest of both good and evil in a manner least 
understood; hence the need of watching, and the danger 
of yielding to temptation from causes that at former 
periods in human history were not existent. The 
action and effects of this so-called human mind in its 
silent arguments, are yet to be uncovered and summarily 
dealt with by divine Justice. 

In Christian Science, the law of Love rejoices the 
heart; and Love is Life and Truth. Whatever mani- 
fests aught else in its effects upon mankind, demonstra- 
bly is not Love. We should measure our love for God 
by our love for man; and our sense of Science will be 
measured by our obedience to God, — fulfilling the law 
of Love, doing good to all; imparting, so far as we re- 
flect them, Truth, Life, and Love to all within the 
radius of our atmosphere of thought. 



CHRISTIAN THEISM. 13 

The only justice of which I feel at present capable, 
is mercy and charity toward everyone, — just so far as 
one and all permit me to exercise these sentiments toward 
them, — taking special care to mind my own business. 

The falsehood, ingratitude, mis judgment, and sharp 
return of evil for good, — yea, the real wrongs (if wrong 
can be real) which I have long endured at the hands of 
others, — have most happily wrought out for me the 
law of loving mine enemies. This law I now urge upon 
the solemn consideration of all Christian Scientists. 
Jesus said, " If ye love them which love you, what thank 
have ye? for sinners also love those that love them." 



CHRISTIAN THEISM. 

Scholastic Theology elaborates the proposition that 
evil is a factor of good, and that to believe in the reality 
of evil is essential to a rounded sense of the existence of 
good. 

This frail hypothesis is founded upon the basis of 
material and mortal evidence — only upon what the 
shifting mortal senses confirm, and frail human reason 
accepts. The Science of Soul reverses this proposition, 
overturns the testimony of the five erring senses, and 
reveals in clearer divinity the existence of Good only; 
that is, of God and His idea. 

This postulate of Divine Science only needs to be 
conceded, to afford opportunity for proof of its correct- 
ness, and the clearer discernment of Good. 

Seek the original term for " God," and you will find 
it to be Good; then define Good, as God, and you will 
find that Good is Omnipotence, has all power: it fills 



14 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

all space, being omnipresent; hence, there is neither 
place nor power left for evil. Divest your thought, 
then, of the mortal and material view which contradicts 
the ever-presence and all-power of Good; take in only 
the immortal facts which include these, and where will 
you see or feel evil, or find its existence necessary either 
to the origin or ultimate of Good? 

It is urged, that, from his original estate of perfec- 
tion, man has fallen into the imperfection that requires 
evil through which to understand good. Were we 
to admit this vague proposition, the Science of man 
could never be learned; for in order to learn Science, 
we begin with the correct statement, with harmony 
and its Principle; and if man has lost his Princi- 
ple and its harmony, from evidences before him he is 
incapable of knowing the facts of existence and its con- 
comitants: therefore to him evil is as real and eternal 
as Good, God! This awful deception is evil's umpire 
and empire, that Good, God, understood, forcibly 
destroys. 

What appears to mortals from their standpoint to be 
the necessity for evil, is proven by the law of opposites 
to be without necessity. Good is the primitive Princi- 
ple of man; and evil, Good's opposite, has no Principle, 
and is not, and" cannot be, the derivative of Good. 
Thus, evil is neither a primitive nor a derivative, but 
is suppositional; in other words, a lie that is incapable 
of proof — therefore, wholly problematical. 

The Science of Truth annihilates error, deprives evil 
of all power, and thereby destroys all error, sin, sickness, 
disease, and death. But the sinner is not sheltered from 
suffering from sin: he makes a great reality of evil, 



THE NEW BIRTH. 15 

identifies himself with .it, fancies he finds pleasure in 
it, and will reap what he sows; hence the sinner must 
endure the effects of his delusion until he awakes from it. 



THE NEW BIRTH. 

Saint Paul speaks of the new birth, as "waiting 
for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of the body." 
The great .Nazarene prophet said, " Blessed are the pure 
in heart, for they shall see God." Nothing aside from 
the spiritualization — yea, the highest Christianization 
— of thought and desire, can give the true perception 
of God and Divine Science, that results in health, hap- 
piness, and holiness. 

The new birth is not the work of a moment. It be- 
gins with moments, and goes on with years; moments 
of surrender to God, of childlike trust and joyful adop- 
tion of good; moments of self-abnegation, self -consecra- 
tion, heaven-born hope, and spiritual love. 

Time may commence, but it cannot complete, the 
new birth: eternity does this; for progress is the law 
of Infinity. Only through the sore travail of mortal 
mind, shall soul, as sense, be satisfied, and man awake 
in His likeness. What a faith-lighted thought is this! 
that mortals can lay off the " old man," until man is 
found to be the image of the infinite Good that we name 
God, and the fulness of the stature of man in Christ 
appears. 

In mortal and material man, goodness seems in 
embryo. By suffering for sin, and the gradual fading 
out of the mortal and material sense of man, thought is 
developed into an infant Christianity; and, feeding at 



16 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

first on the milk of the word, it drinks in the sweet re- 
vealings of a new and more spiritual Life and Love. 
These nourish the hungry hope, satisfy more the crav- 
ings for immortality, and so comfort, cheer, and bless 
one, that he saith: In mine infancy, this is enough of 
Heaven to come down to earth. 

But, as one grows into the manhood or womanhood 
of Christianity, one finds so much lacking, and so very 
much requisite to become wholly Christ-like, that one 
saith: The Principle of Christianity is infinite: it is 
indeed God; and this infinite Principle hath infinite 
claims on man, and these claims are divine, not human; 
and man's ability to meet them is from God; for, being 
His likeness and image, man must reflect the full 
dominion of Spirit — even its supremacy over sin, sick- 
ness, and death. 

Here, then, is the awakening from the dream of life 
in matter, to the great fact that God is the only Life; 
that, therefore, we must entertain a higher sense of both 
God and man. We must learn that God is infinitely 
more than a person, or finite form, can contain; that 
God is a divine Whole, and All, an all-pervading In- 
telligence and Love, a divine, infinite Principle; and 
that Christianity is a divine Science. This newly 
awakened consciousness is wholly spiritual: it emanates 
from Soul instead of body, and is the new birth begun 
in Christian Science. 

Now, dear reader, pause for a moment with me, 
earnestly to contemplate this new-born spiritual altitude; 
for this statement demands demonstration. 

Here you stand face to face with the laws of infinite 
Spirit, and behold for the first time the irresistible con- 



THE NEW BIRTH. 17 

flict between the flesh and Spirit. You stand before the 
awful detonations of Sinai. You hear and record the 
thunderings of the spiritual law of Life, as opposed to 
the material law of death; the spiritual law of Love, as 
opposed to the material sense of love; the law of om- 
nipotent Harmony and Good, as opposed to any supposi- 
titious law of sin, sickness, or death. And, before the 
flames have died away on this mount of revelation, like 
the patriarch of old, you take off your shoes — lay aside 
your material appendages, human opinions and doc- 
trines, give up your more material religion with its rites 
and ceremonies, put off your materia medica and hygiene 
as worse than useless — to sit at the feet of Jesus. Then, 
you meekly boAV before the Christ, the spiritual idea 
that our great Master gave of the power of God to heal 
and to save. Then it is, that you behold for the first 
time the divine Principle that redeems man from under 
the curse of materialism, — sin, disease, and death. 
This spiritual birth opens to the enraptured understand- 
ing a much higher and holier conception of the suprem- 
acy of Spirit, and of man as His likeness, whereby man 
reflects the Divine Power to heal the sick. 

A material or human birth is the appearing of a mor- 
tal, not the immortal man. This birth is more or less 
prolonged and painful according to the timely or un- 
timely circumstances, the normal or abnormal material 
conditions attending it. 

TVith the spiritual birth, man's primitive, sinless, 
spiritual existence dawns on human thought, — through 
the travail of mortal mind, hope deferred, the perish- 
ing pleasure and accumulating pains of sense, — by 
which one loses himself as matter, and gains a truer 
sense of Spirit and spiritual man. 

2 



18 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

The purification or baptismals that come from Spirit, 
•develop, step by step, the original likeness of perfect 
man, and efface the mark of the beast. " Whom the 
Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son 
whom he receiveth;" therefore rejoice in tribulation, 
and welcome these spiritual signs of the new birth under 
the law and gospel of Christ, Truth. 

The prominent laws which forward birth in the divine 
order of Science, are these : " Thou shalt have no other 
gods before me;" "Love thy neighbor as thyself." 
These commands of infinite Wisdom, translated into 
the new tongue, their spiritual meaning, signify: Thou 
shalt love Spirit only, not its opposite, in every God- 
quality, even in Substance; thou shalt recognize thy- 
self as God's spiritual child only, and the true man 
and true woman, the all-harmonious " male and female," 
as of spiritual origin, God's reflection, — thus as chil- 
dren of one common Parent, — wherein and whereby 
Father, Mother, and Child, are the Divine Principle 
and Divine idea, even the divine " Us " — one in Good, 
and good in One. 

With this recognition man could never separate him- 
self from Good, God; and he would necessarily entertain 
habitual love for his fellow-man. Only by admitting 
evil as a reality, and entering into a state of evil 
thoughts, can we in belief separate one man's interests 
from those of the whole human family, or thus attempt 
to separate Life from God. This is the mistake that 
causes much that must be repented of and overcome. 
Not to know what is blessing you, but to believe that 
anght that God sends is unjust, — or that those whom 
He commissions bring to you at His demand, that which 



THE NEW BIRTH. 19 

is unjust, — is wrong and cruel. Envy, evil-thinking, 
evil-speaking, covetousness, lust, hatred, malice, are 
always wrong, and will break the rule of Christian Sci- 
ence and prevent its demonstration; but the rod of God, 
and the obedience demanded of his servants in carry- 
ing out what He teaches them, — these are never unmer- 
ciful, never unwise. 

The task of healing the sick is far lighter than that 
of so teaching the divine Principle and rules of Chris- 
tian Science as to lift the affections and motives of men 
to adopt them, and bring them out in human lives. He 
who has named the name of Christ, who has virtually 
accepted the divine claims of Truth and Love in Divine 
Science, is daily departing from evil; and all the wicked 
endeavors of suppositional demons can never change the 
current of that life from steadfastly flowing on to God, 
its divine Source. 

But, taking the livery of heaven wherewith to cover 
iniquity, is the most fearful sin that mortals can commit. 
I should have more faith in an honest drugging-doctor, 
one who abides by his statements and works upon as 
high a basis as he understands, healing me, than I could 
or would have in a smooth-tongued hypocrite or mental 
malpractitioner. 

Between the centripetal and centrifugal mental forces 
of material and spiritual gravitations, we go into or we 
go out of materialism or sin, and choose our course and 
its results. Which, then, shall be our choice, — the 
sinful, material, and perishable, — or the spiritual, joy- 
giving, and eternal? 

The spiritual sense of Life and its grand pursuits is 
of itself a bliss, health-giving, and joy-inspiring. This 



20 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

sense of Life illumes our pathway with the radiance of 
divine Love; heals man spontaneously, morally and 
physically, — exhaling the aroma of Jesus' own words, 
" Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, 
and I will give you rest." 



CHAPTEE II. 

OXE CAUSE AKD EFFECT. 

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE begins with the first Com- 
mandment of the Hebrew Decalogue, " Thou 
shalt have no other gods before me." It goes on 
in perfect unity with Christ's Sermon on the Mount, and 
in that age culminates in the Revelation of St. John, 
who, while on earth and in the flesh, like ourselves, 
beheld " a new heaven and a new earth," — the spiritual 
universe, whereof Christian Science now bears testimony. 

Our Master said, " The works that I do ye shall do 
also," and " The kingdom of God is within you." This 
makes practical all His words and works. As the ages 
advance in spirituality, Christian Science will be seen 
to depart from the trend of other Christian denomina- 
tions in no wise except by increase of spirituality. 

My first plank in the platform of Christian Science 
is as follows : " There is no life, truth, intelligence, 
or substance in matter. All is infinite Mind and its 
infinite manifestation, for God is All-in-all. Spirit is 
immortal Truth; matter is mortal error. Spirit is the 
real and eternal; matter is the unreal and temporal. 
Spirit is God, and man is His image and likeness; 
hence man is spiritual, and not material." 



22 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

I am strictly a Theist — believe in one God, one 
Christ or Messiah. 

Science is neither a law of matter nor of man. It is 
the nnerring manifesto of Mind, the law of God, 
its divine Principle. Who dare say that matter or 
mortals can evolve Science? Whence, then, is it, if not 
from the divine Source, and what, but the contempo- 
rary of Christianity, so far in advance of human knowl- 
edge that mortals must work for the discovery of even a 
portion of it? Christian Science translates Mind, God, 
to mortals. It is the Infinite Calculus defining the line, 
plane, space, and fourth dimension of Spirit. It abso- 
lutely refutes the amalgamation, transmigration, absorp- 
tion, or annihilation of individuality. It shows the 
impossibility of transmitting human ills, or evil, from one 
individual to another; that all true thoughts revolve 
in God's orbits: they come from God and return to 
Him, — and untruths belong not to His creation, there- 
fore these are null and void. It hath no peer, no com- 
petitor, for it dwelleth in Him besides whom " there is 
none other." 

That Christian Science is Christian, those who have 
demonstrated it, according to the rules of its divine 
Principle, — together with the sick, the lame, the deaf, 
and the blind, healed by it, — have proven to a waiting 
world. He who has not tested it, is incompetent to 
condemn it; and he who is a willing sinner, cannot 
demonstrate it. 

A falling apple suggested to Newton more than the 
simple fact cognized by the senses, to which it seemed 
to fall by reason of its own ponderosity; but the primal 
Cause, or Mind-force, invisible to material sense, lay 



ONE CAUSE AND EFFECT. 23 

concealed in the treasure-troves of Science. True, 
Newton named it Gravitation, having learned so much; 
but Science, demanding more, pushes the question: 
Whence or what is the power back of gravitation, — the 
Intelligence that manifests power? Is pantheism true? 
Does mind " sleep in the mineral, or dream in the 
animal, and wake in man " ? Christianity answers this 
question. The Prophets, Jesus, and the Apostles, dem- 
onstrated a divine Intelligence that subordinates so- 
called material laws; and disease, death, winds, and 
waves, obey this Intelligence. Was it Mind or matter 
that spake in Creation, "and it was done"? The 
answer is self-evident, and the command remains, " Thou 
shalt have no other gods before me." 

It is plain that the Me spoken of in the first Com- 
mandment, must be Mind; for matter is not the Chris- 
tian's God, and is not intelligent. Matter cannot even 
talk; and the serpent, Satan, the first talker in its behalf, 
lied. Reason and revelation declare that God is both 
noumena and phenomena, — the first and only Cause. 
The universe, including man, is not a result of atomic 
action, material force or energy; it is not organized 
dust. God, Spirit, Mind, are terms synonymous for the 
one God, whose reflection is creation, and man is His 
image and likeness. Few there are who comprehend 
what Christian Science means by the word reflection. 
God is seen only in that which reflects good, Life, Truth, 
Love — yea, which manifests all His attributes and 
power, even as the human likeness thrown upon the mir- 
ror repeats precisely the looks and actions of the object in 
front of it. All must be Mind and Mind's ideas; since, 
according to natural science, God, Spirit, could not 
change its species and evolve matter. 



24 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

These facts enjoin the first Commandment; and 
knowledge of them makes man spiritually minded. St. 
Paul writes : " For to be carnally minded is death ; but to 
be spiritually minded is life and peace." This knowl- 
edge came to me in an hour of great need ; and I give it 
to you as death-bed testimony to the daystar that dawned 
on the night of material sense. This knowledge is 
practical, for it wrought my immediate recovery from 
an injury caused by an accident, and pronounced fatal 
by the physicians. On the third day thereafter, I called 
for my Bible, and opened it at Matthew ix. 2. As I 
read, the healing Truth dawned upon my sense; and 
the result was that I rose, dressed myself, and ever after 
was in better health than I had before enjoyed. That 
short experience included a glimpse of the great fact 
that I have since tried to make plain to others, namely, 
Life in and of Spirit; this Life being the sole reality of 
existence. I learned that mortal thought evolves a sub- 
jective state which it names matter, thereby shutting 
out the true sense of Spirit. Per contra, Mind and man 
are immortal; and knowledge gained from mortal sense 
is illusion, error, — the opposite of Truth ; therefore it 
cannot be true. A knowledge of both good and evil 
(when Good is God, and God is all) is impossible. 
Speaking of the origin of evil, the Master said : " "When 
he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own; for he is a liar, 
and the father of it." God warned man not to believe 
the talking serpent, or rather the allegory describ- 
ing it. The Nazarite Prophet declared that his follow- 
ers should handle serpents; that is, put down all subtle 
falsities or illusions, and thus destroy any supposed effect 
arising from false claims exercising their supposed 



ONE CAUSE AND EFFECT. 25 

power on the mind and body of man, against his holi- 
ness and health. 

That there is bnt one God or Life, one Cause and 
one effect, is the multum in pa?*vo of Christian Science; 
and to my understanding it is the heart of Christianity, 
the religion that Jesns taught and demonstrated. In 
Divine Science it is found that matter is a phase of 
error, and that neither one really exists, since God is 
Truth, and All-in-all. Christ's Sermon on the Mount, 
in its direct application to human needs, confirms this 
conclusion. 

Science, understood, translates matter into Mind, 
rejects all other theories of causation, restores the spir- 
itual and original meaning of the Scriptures, and ex- 
plains the teachings and life of our Lord. It is religion's 
" new tongue," with " signs following," spoken of by 
St. Mark. It gives God's infinite meaning to mankind, 
healing the sick, casting out evil, and raising the spirit- 
ually dead. Christianity is Christlike, only as it re- 
iterates the "Word, repeats the works, and manifests the 
spirit of Christ. 

Jesus' only medicine was omnipotent and omniscient 
Mind. As omni is from the Latin word meaning all, 
this medicine is all-power; and omniscience means as 
well, All-science. The sick are more deplorably sit- 
uated than the sinful, if the sick cannot trust God for 
help, and the sinful can. If God created drugs good, 
they cannot be harmful; if He could create them other- 
wise, then they are bad and unfit for man; and if He 
created drugs for healing the sick, why did Jesus not 
employ them and recommend them for that purpose? 

No human hypotheses, whether in philosophy, med- 



26 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

icine, or religion, can survive the wreck of time; but 
whatever is of God, hath life abiding in it, and ulti- 
mately will be known as self-evident truth, as demonstra- 
ble as mathematics. Each successive period of progress 
is a period more humane and spiritual. The only logical 
conclusion is that all is Mind and its manifestation, from 
the rolling of worlds, in the most subtle ether, to a 
potato-patch. 

The agriculturist ponders the history of a seed, and 
believes that his crops come from the seedling and the 
loam ; even while the Scripture declares, " He made 
every plant of the field before it was in the earth." 
The Scientist asks, "Whence came the first seed, and 
what made the soil? "Was it molecules, or material 
atoms? Whence came the infinitesimals, — from infinite 
Mind, or from matter? If from matter, how did matter 
originate? Was it self -existent? Matter is not intelli- 
gent, and thus able to evolve or create itself: it is 
the very opposite of Spirit, intelligent, self-creative, 
and infinite Mind. The belief of mind in matter is Pan- 
theism. Natural history shows that neither a genus 
nor a species produces its opposite. God is All, in all. 
What can be more than All? Nothing: and this is just 
what I call matter, nothing. Spirit, God, has no ante- 
cedent; and God's consequent is the spiritual cosmos. 
The phrase, " express image," in the common version 
of Hebrews ii. 3, is, in the Greek Testament, character. 

The Scriptures name God as good, and the Saxon 
term for God is also Good. From this premise comes 
the logical conclusion that God is naturally and divinely 
infinite Good. How, then, can this conclusion change, 
or be changed, to mean that Good is evil, or the creator 



ONE CAUSE AND EFFECT. 27 

of evil? What can there be besides Infinity? Nothing! 
Therefore the Science of Good calls evil nothing. In 
Divine Science the terms God and Good, as Spirit, are 
synonymous. That God, Good, creates evil, or aught 
that can result in evil, — or that Spirit creates its oppo- 
site, named matter, — are conclusions that destroy their 
premise, and prove themselves invalid. Here is where 
Christian Science sticks to its text, and other systems 
of religion abandon their own logic. Here also is 
found the pith of the basal statement, the cardinal point 
in Christian Science, that matter and evil (including all 
inharmony, sin, disease, death) are unreal. Mortals 
accept natural science, wherein no species ever pro- 
duces its opposite. Then, why not accept Divine Sci- 
ence on this ground? since the Scriptures maintain 
this fact by parable and proof, asking, " Do men 
gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? . . . Doth a 
fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and 
bitter? " 

According to reason and Eevelation, evil and matter 
are negation: for evil signifies the absence of Good, 
God, though God is ever present; and matter claims 
something besides God, when God is really All. Crea- 
tion, evolution, or manifestation, — being in and of 
Spirit, Mind, and all that really is, — must be spiritual 
and mental. This is Science, and is susceptible of proof. 

But, say you, is a stone spiritual? 

To erring material sense, No ! but to unerring spiritual 
sense, it is a small manifestation of Mind, a type of spirit- 
ual Substance, "the substance of things hoped for." 
Mortals can know a stone as substance, only by first ad- 
mitting that it is substantial. Take away the mortal 



28 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

sense of substance, and the stone itself would disappear, 
only to reappear in the spiritual sense thereof. Matter 
can neither see, hear, feel, taste, nor smell; having no 
sensation of its own. Perception by the five personal 
senses is mental, and dependent on the beliefs that 
mortals entertain. Destroy the belief that you can 
walk, and volition ceases ; for muscles cannot move with- 
out mind. Matter takes no cognizance of matter. In 
dreams, things are only what mortal mind makes them; 
and the phenomena of mortal life are as dreams; and 
this so-called life is a dream soon told. In proportion 
as mortals turn from this mortal and material dream, to 
the true sense of reality, everlasting Life will be found 
to be the only Life. That death does not destroy the 
beliefs of the flesh, our Master proved to his doubting 
disciple, Thomas. Also, he demonstrated that Divine 
Science alone can overbear materiality and mortality; 
and this great truth was shown by his ascension after 
death, whereby he arose above the illusion of matter. 

The first Commandment, " Thou shalt have no other 
gods before me," suggests the inquiry, " What mean- 
eth this Me, — Spirit, or matter? " It certainly does not 
signify a graven idol, and must mean Spirit. Then 
the commandment means, " Thou shalt recognize no 
Intelligence or Life in matter; and find neither pleasure 
nor pain therein." The Master's practical knowledge 
of this grand verity, together with his divine Love, 
healed the sick and raised the dead. He literally 
annulled the claims of physique and of physical law, 
by the superiority of the higher law; hence his decla- 
ration, " These signs shall follow them that believe . . . 
if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them. 



ONE CAUSE AND EFFECT. 29 

They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall re* 
cover." 

Do you believe His words? I do, and that His prom- 
ise is perpetual. Had it been applicable only to his 
immediate disciples, the pronoun would be you,not them. 
The purpose of his life-work touches universal human- 
ity. At another time he prayed, not for the twelve 
only, but "for as many as shall believe through the 
word." 

The Christ-healing was practised even before the 
Christian era; " The Word was with God, and the Word 
was God." There is, however, no analogy between 
Christian Science and spiritualism, or between it and 
any speculative theory. 

In 1867, I taught the first student in Christian 
• Science. Since that date I have known of but fourteen 
deaths in the ranks of my about five thousand students. 
The census since 1875 (the date of the first publication 
of my work, " Science and Health with Key to the 
Scriptures ") shows that longevity has increased. Daily 
letters inform me that a perusal of my volume is healing 
the writers, of chronic and acute diseases that had defied 
medical skill. 

Surely, the people of the Occident know that esoteric 
magic and Oriental barbarisms will neither flavor Chris- 
tianity, nor advance health and length of days. 

Miracles are no infraction of God's laws; on the 
contrary, they fulfil His laws; for they are the signs fol- 
lowing Christianity, whereby matter is proven power- 
less and subordinate to Mind. Christians, like students 
in mathematics, should be working up to those higher 
rules of Life which Jesus taught and proved. Do we 



30 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

really understand the Divine Principle of Christianity 
before we prove it, in at least some feeble demonstra- 
tion thereof, according to Jesus' example in healing the 
sick? Should we adopt the " simple addition " in Chris- 
tian Science and doubt its higher rules, or despair of 
ultimately reaching them, even though failing at first to 
demonstrate all the possibilities of Christianity? 

St. John spiritually discerned and revealed the sum 
total of transcendentalism. He saw the real earth and 
Heaven. They were spiritual, not material; and they 
were without pain, sin, or death. Death was not the 
door to this Heaven. The gates thereof he declared 
were inlaid with pearl, — likening them to the priceless 
understanding of man's real existence, to be recognized 
here and now. 

The great "Way-shower illustrated Life unconfined, 
uncontaminated, untrammelled, by matter. He proved 
the superiority of Mind over the flesh, opened the door 
to the captive, and enabled man to demonstrate the law 
of Life, which St. Paul declares "hath made me free 
from the law of sin and death." 

The stale saying that Christian Science "is neither 
Christian nor science! " is to-day the fossil of wisdom- 
less wit, weakness, and superstition. " The fool hath 
said in his heart, There is no God." 

Take courage, dear reader, for any seeming mysti- 
cism surrounding realism, is explained in the Scripture, 
" There went up a mist from the earth " [matter] ; and 
the mist of materialism will vanish as we approach 
spirituality, the realm of reality; cleanse our lives in 
Christ's righteousness; bathe in the baptism of Spirit, 
and awake in His likeness. 



CHAPTER III. 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 

What do you consider to be mental malpractice? 

MENTAL malpractice is a bland denial of Truth, 
and the antipode of Christian Science. To men- 
tally argue in a manner that can disastrously 
affect the happiness of a fellow being — harm him 
morally, physically, or spiritually — breaks the Golden 
Rule, and subverts the scientific laws of Being. This, 
therefore, is not the use but the abuse of mental treat- 
ment, and is mental malpractice. It is needless to 
say that such a subversion of right is not scientific. 
Its claim to power is in proportion to the faith in evil, 
and consequently to the lack of faith in good. Such 
false faith finds no place in, and receives no aid from, 
the Principle or the rules of Christian Science; for it 
denies the grand verity of this Science, namely, that 
God, Good, has all power. 

This leaves the individual no alternative but to re- 
linquish his faith in evil, or to argue against his own 
convictions of good and so destroy his power to be 
or to do good, because he has no faith in the omnipotence 
of God, Good. He parts with his understanding of 
good, in order to retain his faith in evil and so succeed 



32 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

with his wrong argument, — if indeed lie desires suc- 
cess in this broad road to destruction. 

How shall ive demean ourselves toicards the students 
of disloyal students? And ivhat about that clergy- 
man's remarks on " Christ and Christmas " ? 

From this question, I infer that some of my students 
seem not to know in what manner they should act 
towards the students of false teachers, or such as have 
strayed from the rules and divine Principle of Christian 
Science, The query is abnormal, when " line upon line 
and precept upon precept " are to be found in the 
Scriptures, and in my books, on this very subject. 

In Mark, 9th chapter, commencing at the 33d verse, 
you will find my views on this subject; love alone is 
admissible towards friend and foe. My sympathies ex- 
tend to the above-named class of students more than 
to many others. If I had the time to talk with all 
students of Christian Science, and correspond with them, 
I would gladly do my best towards helping those un- 
fortunate seekers after Truth whose teacher is stray- 
ing from the straight and narrow path. But I have 
not moments enough in which to give to my own flock 
all the time and attention that they need, — and 
charity must begin at home. 

Distinct denominational and social organizations and 
societies are at present necessary for the individual, 
and for our Cause. But all people can and should be 
just, merciful; they should never envy, elbow, slander, 
hate, or try to injure, — but always should try to bless 
their fellow mortals. 

To the query in regard to some clergyman's com- 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 33 

ments on my illustrated poem, I will say: It is the 
righteous prayer that avails with God. Whatever is 
wrong will receive its own reward. The high priests 
of old caused the crucifixion of even the great Master; 
and thereby they lost, and he won, Heaven. I love all 
ministers and ministries of Christ, Truth. 

All clergymen may not understand the illustrations 
in "Christ and Christmas;" or, that these refer not to 
personality, but present the type and shadow of Truth's 
appearing in the womanhood as well as in the man- 
hood of God, our divine Father and Mother. 

M ast I have faith in Christian Science in order to 
be healed by it? 

This is a question that is being asked every day. It 
has not proved impossible to heal those who, when they 
began treatment, had no faith whatever in the Science, 
— other than to place themselves under my care, and 
follow the directions given. Patients naturally gain 
confidence in Christian Science as they recognize the 
help they derive therefrom. 

What are the advantages of your system of heal- 
ing, over the ordinary methods of healing disease? 

Healing by Christian Science has the following ad- 
vantages : — 

First. It does away with all material medicines, and 
recognizes the fact that, as mortal mind is the cause 
of all "the ills that flesh is heir to," the antidote for 
sickness, as well as for sin, may and must be found in 
mortal mind's opposite, — the Divine Mind. 

Second. It is more effectual than drugs; curing 

3 



34 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

where these fail, and leaving none of the harmful " after 
effects " of these in the system; thus proving that 
Metaphysics is above physics. 

Third. One who has been healed by Christian Sci- 
ence is not only healed of the disease, but is improved 
morally. The body is governed by mind; and mortal 
mind must be improved, before the body is renewed 
and harmonious, — since the physique is simply thought 
made manifest. 

Is spiritualism or mesmerism included in Christian 

Science ? 

They are wholly apart from it. Christian Science is 
based on divine Principle; whereas spiritualism," so far as 
I understand it, is a mere speculative opinion and 
human belief. If the departed were to communicate 
with us, we should see them as they were before death, 
and have them with us; after death, they can no more 
come to those they have left, than we can go to the 
departed or the adult can return to his boyhood: 
we may pass on to their state of existence, but they 
cannot return to ours. Man is im-mortal, and there 
is not a moment when he ceases to exist. All that are 
called " communications from spirits," lie within the 
realm of mortal thought on this present plane of exist- 
ence, and are the antipodes of Christian Science ; the im- 
mortal and mortal are as direct opposites as light and 
darkness. 

Who is the founder of mental healing? 

The author of " Science and Health with Key to the 
Scriptures," who discovered the Science of Healing em- 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 35 

bodied in her Works. Years of practical proof, through 
homoeopathy, revealed to her the fact that Mind, in- 
stead of matter, is the Principle of pathology; and 
subsequently, her recovery through the supremacy of 
Mind over matter, from a severe casualty pronounced 
by the physicians incurable, sealed that proof with the 
signet of Christian Science. In 1883, a million of peo- 
ple acknowledge and attest the blessings of this mental 
system of treating disease. Perhaps the following 
words of her husband, the la.te Dr. Asa G. Eddy, 
afford the most concise, yet complete, summary of the 
matter : — 

" Mrs. Eddy's Works are the outgrowths of her life. 
I never knew so unselfish an individual." 

Will the book " Science and Health" that you offer 
for sale at three dollars, teach its readers to heal the 
sick, — or is one obliged to become a student under 
your personal instruction f And if one is obliged to 
study under you, of what benefit is your book? 

"Why do we read the Bible, and then go to church to 
hear it expounded? Only because both are important. 
Why do we read moral science, and then study it at 
college ? 

You are benefited by reading " Science and Health," 
but it is greatly to your advantage to be taught its 
Science by the Author of that work, who explains it 
in detail. 

What is immortal mind? 

In reply, we refer you to " Science and Health with 
Key to the Scriptures," Vol. i. page 14: "That 



36 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

which is erring, sinful, sick, and dying, termed ma- 
terial or mortal man, is neither God's man nor Mind; 
but to be understood, we shall classify evil and error 
as mortal mind, in contradistinction to Good and Truth, 
or the Mind which is immortal." 

Do animals and beasts have a mind? 

Beasts, as well as men, express mind as their creator; 
but they manifest less of Mind. The First Cause is the 
eternal Mind; and Mind is God, and there is but one 
God. The ferocious mind seen in the beast is mor- 
tal mind, which is harmful, and proceeds not from God; 
for His beast is the lion that lieth down with the 
lamb. Appetites, passions, anger, revenge, subtlety, 
are the animal qualities of sinning mortals; and the 
beasts that have these propensities, express the lower, 
qualities of the so-called animal man; in other words, 
the nature and quality of mortal mind, — not immor- 
tal Mind. 

What is the distinction between mortal mind and 
Imm orta I Mind f 

Mortal mind includes all evil, disease, and death; 
also, all beliefs relative to the so-called material laws, 
and all material objects, and the law of sin and death. 

The Scripture says, " The carnal mind (in other words 
mortal mind) is enmity against God; for it is not subject 
to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Mortal 
mind is an illusion; as -much in our waking moments 
as in the dreams of sleep. The belief that Intelligence, 
Truth, and Love, are in matter and separate from 
God, is an error; for there is no intelligent evil, and no 



QUESTIONS AXD ANSWERS. 37 

power besides God, Good. God would not be omnipo- 
tent if there were in reality another mind creating or 
governing man or the universe. 

Immortal Mind is God; and His Mind is made 
manifest in all thoughts and desires that draw man- 
kind toward purity, health, holiness, and the spiritual 
facts of Being. 

Jesus recognized this relation so clearly that he said, 
"I and my Father are one." In proportion as we oppose 
the belief in material sense, in sickness, sin, and death, 
and recognize ourselves under the control of the 
spiritual and Immortal Mind, shall we go on to leave 
the animal for the spiritual, and learn the meaning of 
those words of Jesus, " Go ye into all the world . . . 
heal the sick." 

Can your Science cure intemperance? 

Christian Science lays the axe at the root of the tree. 
Its antidote for all ills is God, the perfect Mind, which 
corrects mortal thought, whence cometh all evil. God 
can and does destroy the thought that leads to moral, 
or physical death. Intemperance, impurity, sin of every 
sort, is destroyed by Truth. The appetite for alcohol 
yields to Science as directly and surely as do sick- 
ness and sin. 

Does Mrs. Eddy take patients? 

She now does not. Her time is wholly devoted to 
instruction, leaving to her students the work of healing; 
which, at this hour, is in reality the least difficult of 
the labor that Christian Science demands. 



38 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

Why do you charge for teaching Christian Science, 
when all the good we cam do must be done freely? 

When teaching imparts the ability to gain and main- 
tain health, to heal and elevate man in every line of 
life, — as this teaching certainly does, — is it un- 
reasonable to expect in return something to support 
one's self and a Cause? If so, our whole system 
of education secular and religious is at fault, and the 
instructors and philanthropists in our land should ex- 
pect no compensation. " If we have sown unto you 
spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your 
carnal things? " 

How happened you to establish a College to instruct 
in Metaphysics, ivhen other institutions find little 
interest in such a dry and abstract subject? 

Metaphysics as taught by me at the Massachusetts 
Metaphysical College, is far from dry and abstract. 
It is a Science that has the animus of Truth. Its prac- 
tical application to benefit the race, heal the sick, 
enlighten and reform the sinner, makes Divine Meta- 
physics needful, indispensable. Teaching metaphysics 
at other colleges means, mainly, elaborating a man- 
made theory, or some speculative view too vapory and 
hypothetical for questions of practical import. 

Is it necessary to study your Science in order tor be 
healed by it and keep well? 

It is not necessary to make each patient a student 
in order to cure his present disease, if this is what 
you mean. Were it so, the Science would be of less 
practical value. Many who apply for help are not 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 39 

prepared to take a course of instruction in Christian 
Science. 

To avoid being subject to disease, would require the 
understanding of how you are healed. In 1885, this 
knowledge can be obtained in its genuineness at the 
Massachusetts Metaphysical College. There are abroad 
at this early date some grossly incorrect and false 
teachers of what they term Christian Science; of such 
beware. They have risen up in a day to make this 
claim; whereas the founder of genuine Christian Sci- 
ence has been all her years in giving it birth. 

Can you take care of yourself? 

God giveth to every one this puissance; and I have 
faith in His promise, "Lo, I am with you always " — 
all the icay. Unlike the M. D.'s, Christian Scientists 
are not afraid to take their own medicine, for this 
medicine is Divine Mind ; and from this saving, ex- 
haustless Source, they intend to fill the human mind 
with enough of the leaven of Truth to leaven the 
whole lump. There may be exceptional cases, where 
one Christian Scientist who has more to meet than 
others needs support at times ; then, it is right to " bear 
one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." 

In what way is a Christian Scientist an instrument 
by which God reaches others to heal them, and what 
most obstructs the way? 

A Christian, or a Christian Scientist, assumes no more 
when claiming to work with God in healing the sick, 
than in converting the sinner. Divine help is as neces- 
sary in the one case as in the other. The scientific Prin- 



40 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

ciple of healing demands such co-operation; but this 
unison and its power would be arrested if one were to 
mix material methods with the spiritual, — were to min- 
gle hygienic rules, drugs, and prayers in the same pro- 
cess, — and thus serve " other gods." Truth is as 
effectual in destroying sickness as in the destruction 
of sin. 

It is often asked, " If Christian Science is the same 
method of healing that Jesus and the Apostles used, 
why do not its students perform as instantaneous cures 
as did these in the first century of the Christian Era." 

In some instances the students of Christian Science 
equal the ancient prophets as healers. All true healing 
is governed by, and demonstrated on, the same Princi- 
ple as theirs; namely, the action of the divine Spirit, 
through the power of Truth to destroy error, discord of 
whatever sort. The reason that the same results follow 
not in every case, is, that the student does not in every 
case possess sufficiently the Christ-spirit and its power to 
cast out the disease. The founder of Christian Science 
teaches her students that they must possess the spirit of 
Truth and Love, must gain the power over sin in them- 
selves, or they cannot be instantaneous healers. 

In this Christian warfare, the student or practitioner 
has to master those elements of evil too common to other 
minds. If it is hate that is holding the purpose to kill 
his patient by mental means, it requires more divine 
understanding to conquer this sin, than to nullify either 
the disease itself or the ignorance by which one unin- 
tentionally harms himself or another. An element of 
brute-force that only the cruel and evil can send forth, is 
given vent in the diabolical practice of one who, having 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 41 

learned the liberated power of thought to do good, per- 
verts it, and rises it to accomplish an evil purpose. This 
mental malpractice would disgrace Mind-healing were it 
not that God overrules it, and causes " the wrath of man 
to praise Him." It deprives those who practise it of 
the power to heal, and destroys their own possibility of 
progressing. 

The honest student of Christian Science is purged 
through Christ, Truth, and thus is ready for victory in 
the ennobling strife. The good fight must be fought, by 
those who keep the faith and finish their course. Mental 
purgation must go on; it promotes spiritual growth, 
scales the mountain of human endeavor, and gains the 
summit in Science that otherwise could not be 
reached, — where the struggle with sin is forever done. 

Can all classes of disease be healed by your method? 

We answer, Yes : Mind is the architect that builds its 
own idea, and produces all harmony that appears. There 
is no other healer in the case. If mortal mind, through 
the action of fear, manifests inflammation and a belief 
of disease, by removing the error in that so-called mind, 
the belief of disease will disappear, and health will be re- 
stored ; for health, alias harmony, is the normal manifes- 
tation of man governed by his Maker. The divine 
Principle which governs the universe, including man, 
if demonstrated, is sufficient for all emergencies. But 
the practitioner may not always prove equal to bring- 
ing out the result of the Principle that he knows to 
be true. 

After the change called death takes place, do we 



42 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

meet those gone before, — or does life continue in 
thought only as in a dream? 

Man is not annihilated, nor does he lose his identity, 
by passing through the belief called death. After the 
momentary belief of dying passes from mortal mind, this 
mind is still in a conscious state of existence; and the in- 
dividual has but passed through a moment of extreme 
mortal fear, to awaken with thoughts, and being, as 
material as before. " Science and Health 7 ' clearly states, 
" Spiritualization of thought is not attained by the death 
of the body, but by a conscious union with God." When 
we shall have come upon the same plane of conscious ex- 
istence with those gone before, shall have passed the 
ordeal called death, then we shall be able to communi- 
cate with and to recognize those on their plane of 
existence. 

If our work, before the change whereby we meet 
the dear departed, proves to have been well done, we 
shall not have to repeat it; but our joys and means of 
advancing will proportionately increase. 

The difference between a material belief of existence 
and the spiritual fact of Life, is, that the former is a 
dream and unreal, while the latter is real and eternal. 
Only as we understand God, and learn that Good, not 
evil, lives and is immortal, shall we drop our false sense 
of Life in sin and sense material, and recognize a better 
state of existence; also, that immortality belongs only 
to spiritual perfection. 

Can I be treated without being present during treat- 
ment? 

Mind is not confined to limits; and nothing but our 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 43 

own false admissions prevent us from demonstrating this 
great fact. Christian Science, recognizing the capabili- 
ties of Mind to act of itself, and independent of matter, 
enables one to heal cases without even having seen the 
individual, — or simply after having been made ac- 
quainted with the mental condition of the patient. 

Do all who at present claim to be teaching Christian 
Science teach it correctly? 

By no means : Christian Science is not sufficiently un- 
derstood for that. The student of this Science who under- 
stands it best, is the one least likely to pour into other 
minds a trifling sense of it as being adequate to make safe 
and successful practitioners. The simple sense one gains 
of this Science through careful, unbiased, contemplative 
reading of my books, is far more advantageous to the 
sick and to the learner, than is or can be the spurious 
teaching of those who are spiritually unqualified. The 
sad fact at this early writing is, that the letter is gained 
sooner than the Spirit of Christian Science: time is re- 
quired thoroughly to qualify students for the great or- 
deal of this century. 

If one person tries to undermine another, such sinister 
rivalry does a vast amount of injury to the Cause. To 
fill one's pocket at the expense of his conscience, or to 
build on the downfall of others, incapacitates one to 
practise or teach Christian Science. The occasional tem- 
porary success of such an one is owing, in part, to the im- 
possibility for those unacquainted with the mighty Truth 
of Christian Science to recognize, as such, the bare-faced 
errors that are taught — and the damaging effects these 
leave on the practice of the learner, on the Cause, and 
on the health of the community. 



44 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

Honest students speak the truth " after the similitude 
of the pattern shewed thee in the mount/ 7 and live it: 
these are not working for emoluments, and may profita- 
bly teach people, who are ready to investigate this 
subject, the rudiments of Christian Science. 

Can Christian Science cure acute cases where there 
is necessity for immediate relief, as in membraneous 
croup f 

The remedial power of Christian Science is positive, 
and its application direct. It cannot fail to heal in 
every case of disease, when conducted by one who un- 
derstands this Science sufficiently to demonstrate its 
highest possibilities. 

If I have the toothache and nothing stops it until I 
have the tooth extracted, and then the pain ceases, has 
the mind, or extracting, or both, caused the pain to 

cease? 

What you thought was pain in the bone or nerve, 
could only have been a belief of pain in matter ; for mat- 
ter has no sensation. It was a state of mortal thought 
made manifest in the flesh. You call this body matter, 
when awake, or when asleep in a dream. That matter can 
report pain, or that mind is in matter, reporting sen- 
sations, is but a dream at all times. You believed that 
if the tooth were extracted, the pain would cease: this 
demand of mortal thought once met, your belief assumed 
a new form, and said, There is no more pain. When 
your belief in pain ceases, the pain stops; for matter 
has no intelligence of its own. By applying this men- 
tal remedy or antidote directly to your belief, you 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 45 

Scientifically prove the fact that Mind is supreme. 
This is not done by will-power, for that is not Science 
but mesmerism. The full understanding that God is 
Mind, and that matter is but a belief, enables you to 
control pain. Christian Science, by means of its 
Principle of metaphysical healing, is able to do more 
than to heal a toothache; although its power to allay 
fear, prevent inflammation, and destroy the necessity for 
ether — thereby avoiding the fatal results that fre- 
quently follow the use of that drug — render this Science 
invaluable in the practice of dentistry. 

Can an atheist or a profane man be cured by meta- 
physics, or Christian Science? 

The moral status of the man demands the remedy 
of Truth more in this than in most cases; therefore, un- 
der the deific law that supply invariably meets demand, 
this Science is effectual in treating moral ailments. 
Sin is not the master of Divine Science, but vice versa; 
and when Science in a single instance decides the con- 
flict, the patient is better both morally and physically. 

If God made all that was made, and it was good, 
where did evil originate? 

It never originated or existed as an entity. It is but a 
false belief; even the belief that God is not what the 
Scriptures declare Him to be, All-in-all, but that there 
is an opposite intelligence or mind termed evil. This 
error of belief is idolatry, having " other gods before 
me." In John i. 3 we read, "All things were made by 
him; and without him was not anything made that was 
made." The admission of the reality of evil, perpetuates 



4:6 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

the belief or faith in evil. The Scriptures declare, " To 
whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants 
ye are." The leading self-evident proposition of Chris- 
tian Science is : Good being real, evil, Good's opposite, is 
unreal. This truism needs only to be tested Scientifi- 
cally to be found true, and adapted to destroy the appear- 
ance of evil to an extent beyond the power of any 
doctrine previously entertained. 

Bo you teach that you are equal with God? 

A reader of my writings would not present this ques- 
tion. There are no such indications in the premises or 
conclusions of Christian Science, and such a misconcep- 
tion of Truth is not Scientific. Man is not equal with 
his Maker; that which is formed is not cause, but effect, 
aud has no power underived from its Creator. It is pos- 
sible, and it is man's duty, to so throw the weight of his 
thoughts and acts on the side of Truth, that he be ever 
found in the scale with his Creator; not weighing 
equally with him, but comprehending at every point, in 
Divine Science, the full significance of what the apostle 
meant by the declaration, " The Spirit itself beareth wit- 
ness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and 
if children, then heirs: heirs of God, and joint-heirs with 
Christ." In Science, man represents his divine Prin- 
ciple, — the Life and Love that are God, — even as the 
idea of sound, in tones, represents harmony; but mortals 
have not yet wholly attained unto the Science of Being 
wherein man is perfect even as the Father, his divine 
Principle, is perfect. 

How can I believe that there is no such thing as 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 47 

matter, wlien I weigh over ttco hundred pounds and 
carry about this weight daily f 

By learning that matter is but manifest mortal mind. 
You entertain an adipose belief of yourself as substance ; 
whereas, substance means more than matter: it is the 
glory and permanence of Spirit: it is that which is 
hoped for but unseen, that which the material senses 
cannot take in. Have you never been so pre-occupied in 
thought when moving your body, that you did this with- 
out consciousness of its weight? If never in your waking 
hours, you have been in your night-dreams; and these 
tend to elucidate your day-dream, or the mythical nature 
of matter, and the possibilities of mind when let loose 
from its own beliefs. In sleep, a sense of the body ac- 
companies thought with less impediment than when 
awake, which is the truer sense of being. In Science, 
body is the servant of mind, not its master: Mind is 
supreme. Science reverses the evidence of material 
sense with the spiritual sense that God, Spirit, is the only 
Substance; and that man, His image and likeness, is 
spiritual, not material. This great Truth does not de- 
stroy but substantiates man's identity, — together with 
his immortality and pre-existence, or his spiritual co- 
existence with his Maker. That which has a beginning 
must have an ending. 

What should one conclude as to Professor Carpen- 
ter's exhibitions of mesmerism? 

That largely depends upon what one accepts as either 
useful or true. I have no knowledge of mesmerism, 
practically or theoretically, save as I measure its demon- 
strations as a false belief } and avoid all that works ill. If 



48 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

mesmerism has the power attributed to it by the gentle- 
man referred to, it should neither be taught nor prac- 
tised, but should be conscientiously condemned. One 
thing is quite apparent; namely, that its so-called power 
is despotic, and Mr. Carpenter deserves praise for his 
public exposure of it. If such be its power, I am op- 
posed to it, as to every form of error, — whether of igno- 
rance or fanaticism, prompted by money-making or 
malice. It is enough for me to know that animal mag- 
netism is neither of God nor Science. 

It is alleged that at one of his recent lectures in Bos- 
ton Mr. Carpenter made a man drunk on water, and 
then informed his audience that he could produce the 
effect of alcohol or of any drug, on the human system, 
through the action of mind alone. This honest declara- 
tion as to the animus of animal magnetism and the pos- 
sible purpose to which it can be devoted, has, we trust, 
been made in season to open the eyes of the people to the 
hidden nature of some tragic events and sudden deaths 
at this period. 

Was ever a person made insane by studying Meta- 
physics f 

Such an occurrence would be impossible, for the 
proper study of Mind-healing would cure the insane. 
That persons have gone away from the Massachusetts 
Metaphysical College " made insane by Mrs. Eddy's 
teachings/' like a hundred other stories, is a baseless 
fabrication offered solely to injure her or her school. 
The enemy is trying to make capital out of the follow- 
ing case. A young lady entered the College class who, 
I quickly saw, had a tendency to monomania, and re- 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 49 

quested her to withdraw before its close. We are cred- 
ibly informed that, before entering the college, this 
young lady had manifested some mental unsoundness, 
and have no doubt she could have been restored by 
Christian Science treatment. Her friends employed a 
homoeopathist who had the skill and honor to state, as his 
opinion given to her friends, that " Mrs. Eddy's teach- 
ings had not produced insanity." This is the only case 
that could be distorted into the claim of insanity ever 
having occurred in a class of Mrs. Eddy's; while ac- 
knowledged and notable cases of insanity have been 
cured in her class. 

// all that is mortal is a dream or error, is not 
our capacity for formulating a dream, real; is it not 
God-made; and if God-made, can it be wrong, sinful, 
or an error? 

The spirit of Truth leads into all truth, and enables 
man to discern between the real and the unreal. Enter- 
taining the common belief in the opposite of goodness, 
and that evil is as real as good, opposes the leadings of 
the divine Spirit that are helping man God-ward: it 
prevents a recognition of the nothingness of the dream, 
or belief, that Mind is in matter, Intelligence in non- 
intelligence, sin, and death. This belief presupposes 
not only a power opposed to God, and that God is not 
All-in-all as the Scriptures declare Him to be, but that 
the capacity to err proceeds from God. 

That God is Truth, the Scriptures aver; that Truth 
never created error or such a capacity, is self-evident; 
that God made all that was made, is again scriptural; 
therefore your answer is, that error is an illusion of 

4 



50 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

mortals; that God is not its author, and it cannot be 
real. 

Does " Science and Health loith Key to the Scrip- 
tures " explain the entire method of metaphysical 
healing, or is there a secret back of what is contained 
in that book, as some say? 

" Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures " 
is a complete text-book of Christian Science; and its 
metaphysical method of healing is as lucid in presenta- 
tion as can be possible, under the necessity to express 
the metaphysical in physical terms. There is absolutely 
no additional secret outside of its teachings, or that 
gives one the power to heal; but it is essential that 
the student gain the spiritual understanding of the con- 
tents of this book, in order to heal. 

Do you believe in change of heart? 

"We do believe, and understand — which is more — 
that there must be a change from human affections, 
desires, and aims, to the divine standard, " Be ye per- 
fect:" also, that there must be a change from the be- 
lief that the heart is matter and sustains life, to the 
understanding that God is our Life, that we exist in 
Mind, live thereby, and have being. This change of 
heart would deliver man from heart-disease, and ad- 
vance Christianity a hundredfold. The human affections 
need to be changed from self, to benevolence and love 
for God and man ; changed to having but one God and 
loving Him supremely, and helping our brother man. 
This change of heart is essential to Christianity, and 
will have its effect physically as well as spiritually, 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 51 

healing disease. Burnt offerings and drugs, God does 
not require. 

Is a belief of nervousness accompanied by great 
mental depression, mesmerism? 

All mesmerism is of one of three kinds; namely, the 
ignorant, the fraudulent, or the malicious workings of 
error or mortal mind. We have not the particulars 
of the case to which you may refer, and for this reason 
cannot answer your question professionally. 

How can I govern a child metaphysically? Doesn't 
the use of the rod teach him life in matter? 

The use of the rod is virtually a declaration to the 
child's mind that sensation belongs to matter. Motives 
govern acts, and Mind governs man. If you make clear 
to the child's thought the right motives for action, and 
cause him to love them, they will lead him aright: if 
you educate him to love and obey the Golden Rule 
and Christian Science, he will love and obey you with- 
out your having to resort to corporeal punishment. 

" When from the lips of Truth one mighty breath 
Shall, like a whirlwind, scatter in its breeze 
The whole dark pile of human mockeries ; 
Then shall the reign of Mind commence on earth, 
And starting fresh, as from a second birth, 
Man in the sunshine of the world's new spring, 
Shall walk transparent like some holy thing." 

Are both prayer and drugs necessary to heal? 

The apostle James said, " Ye ask, and receive not, 
because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your 
lusts." This text may refer to such as seek the ma- 



52 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

terial to aid the spiritual, and take drugs to support 
God's power to heal them.- It is difficult to say how 
much one can do for himself, whose faith is divided 
between catnip and Christ; but not so difficult to know 
that if he were to serve one master, he could do vastly 
more. AVhosoever understands the power of Spirit, 
has no doubt of God's power, — even the might of 
Truth, — to heal, through Divine Science, beyond all 
human means and methods. 

What do you think of marriage? 

That it is often convenient, sometimes pleasant, and 
occasionally a love affair. Marriage is susceptible of 
many definitions. It sometimes presents the most 
wretched condition of human existence. To be normal, 
It must be a union of the affections that tends to lift 
mortals higher. 

// this life is a dream not dispelled, but only 
changed, by death, — if one gets tired of it, icliy not 
commit suicide f 

Man's existence is a problem to be wrought in Divine 
Science. TThat progress would a student of science 
make, if, when tired of mathematics or failing to dem- 
onstrate one rule readily, he should attempt to work 
out a rule further on and more difficult — and this, 
because the first rule was not easily demonstrated? In 
that case he would be obliged to turn back and work 
out the previous example, before solving the advanced 
problem. Mortals have the sum of being to work out, 
and up, to its spiritual standpoint. They must work 
out of this dream or false claim of sensation and life 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 53 

in matter, and up to the spiritual realities of existence, 
before this false claim can -be wholly dispelled. Com- 
mitting suicide to dodge the question is not working 
it out. The error of supposed life and intelligence in 
matter, is dissolved only as we master error with Truth. 
Not through sin or suicide, but by overcoming tempta- 
tion and sin, shall we escape the weariness and wicked- 
ness of mortal existence, and gain Heaven, the Har- 
mony of Being. 

Do yon sometimes find it advisable to use medicine 
to assist in producing a cure, when it is difficult to 
start the patient 9 s recovery? 

You only weaken your power to heal through Mind, 
by any compromise with matter; which is virtually 
acknowledging that under difficulties the former is not 
equal to the latter. He that resorts to physics, seeks 
what is below instead of above the standard of meta- 
physics; showing his ignorance of the meaning of the 
term and of Christian Science. 

If Christian Science is the same as Jesus taught, 
why is it not more simple, so that all can readily un- 
derstand it? 

The teachings of Jesus were simple ; and yet he found 
it difficult to make the rulers understand, because of 
their great lack of spirituality. Christian Science is 
simple, and readily understood by the children; only 
the thought educated away from it finds it abstract or 
difficult to perceive. Its seeming abstraction is the 
mystery of godliness; and godliness is simple to the 
godly; but to the unspiritual, the ungodly, it is dark 



54 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

and difficult. The carnal mind cannot discern spiritual 
things. 

Has Mrs. Eddy lost her poicer to heal? 

Has the sun forgotten to shine, and the planets to 
revolve around it? Who is it that discovered, dem- 
onstrated, and teaches Christian Science? That one, 
whoever it be, does understand something of what can- 
not be lost. Thousands in the field of metaphysical 
healing, whose lives are worthy testimonials, are her 
students, and they bear witness to this fact. Instead 
of losing her power to heal, she is demonstrating the 
power of Christian Science over all obstacles that envy 
and malice would fling in her path. The reading of 
her book, " Science and Health with Key to the 
Scriptures,'' is curing hundreds at this very time; and 
the sick, unasked, are testifying thereto. 

Must I study your Science in order to ~keep icell 
all my life? I was healed of a chronic trouble after 
one month's treatment by one of your students. 

When once you are healed by Science, there is no 
reason why you should be liable to a return of the 
disease that you were healed of. But not to be subject 
again to any disease whatsoever, would require an 
understanding of the Science by which you were healed. 

Because none of your students have been able to 
•perform as great miracles in healing as Jesus and his 
disciples did, does it not suggest the possibility that 
they do not heal on the same basis? 

You would not ask the pupil in simple equations to 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 55 

solve a problem involving logarithms; and then because 
he failed to get the right answer, condemn the pupil 
and the Science of numbers. The simplest problem 
in Christian Science is healing the sick, and the least 
understanding and demonstration thereof prove all its 
possibilities. The ability to demonstrate to the extent 
that Jesus did, will come when the student possesses as 
much of the divine Spirit as he shared, and utilizes its 
power to overcome sin. 

Opposite always to Good, is the claim of evil that 
seeks the proportions of good. There may be those 
who, having learned the power of the unspoken thought, 
use it to harm rather than to heal, and who are using 
that power against Christian Scientists. This giant sin 
is the sin against the Holy Ghost spoken of in Matt, 
xii. 31, 32. 

Is Christian Science based on the facts of both Spirit 
and matter? 

Christian Science is based on the facts of Spirit and 
its forms and representations, but these facts are the 
direct antipodes of the so-called facts of matter; and 
the eternal verities of Spirit assert themselves over their 
opposite, or matter, in the final destruction of all that 
is unlike Spirit. 

Man knows that he can have one God only, when 
he regards God as the only Mind, Life, and Substance. 
If God is Spirit and All-in-all, as the Scriptures declare, 
matter is mythology, and its laws are mortal beliefs. 

If Mind is in matter and beneath a skull bone, it 
is in something unlike Him; hence it is either a godless 
and material mind, or it is God in matter, — which are 



56 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS 

theories of Agnosticism and Pantheism, the very anti« 
podes of Christian Science. 

What is organic life? 

Life is inorganic, infinite Spirit; if Life, or Spirit, 
were organic, disorganization would destroy Spirit and 
annihilate man. 

If Mind is not substance, form, and tangibility, God 
is substanceless ; for the substance of Spirit is divine 
Mind. If Life is non-intelligent, God is not the 
Creator, and Life is apart from Mind. 

Every indication of matter's constituting life, is 
mortal, the direct opposite of immortal Life, and in- 
fringes the rights of Spirit. Then, to conclude that Spirit 
constitutes or ever has constituted laws to that effect, 
is a mortal error, a human conception opposed to the 
divine government. Mind and matter mingling in per- 
petual warfare is a kingdom divided against itself, that 
shall be brought to desolation. The final destruction 
of this false belief in matter, will appear at the full 
revelation of Spirit, — one God, and the brotherhood 
of man. Organic life is an error of statement that 
Truth destroys. The Science of Life needs only to be 
understood; its demonstration proves the correctness of 
my statements, and brings blessings infinite. 

Why did God command, " Be fruitful and multiply 
and replenish the earth" if all minds (men) have ex- 
isted from the beginning, and have had successive 
stages of existence to the present time? 

Your question implies that Spirit, which first spirit- 
ually created the universe including man, created man 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 57 

over again materially; and, by the aid of mankind, all 
was later made which He had made. If the first record 
is true, what evidence have you, — apart from the 
evidence of that which you admit cannot discern spirit- 
ual things, — of any other creation? The creative 
" Us " made all, and Mind was the Creator. Man 
originated no,t from dust, materially, but from Spirit, 
spiritually. This work had been done; the true creation 
was finished, and its spiritual Science is alluded to in 
the first chapter of Genesis. 

Jesus said of error, " That thou doest, do quickly." 
By the law of opposites, after the truth of man had 
been demonstrated, the postulate of error must appear. 
That this addendum was untrue, is seen when Truth, 
God, denounced it, and said: "I will greatly multiply 
thy sorrow." " In the day thou eatest thereof, thou 
shalt surely die." The opposite error said, " I am true," 
and declared, " The Lord knows that thine eyes shall be 
opened, and ye shall be as gods," creators. This was 
false; and the Lord God never said it. This history of 
a falsity must be told in the name of Truth, or it would 
have no seeming. The Science of creation is the uni- 
verse with man created spiritually. The false sense 
and error of creation is, the sense of man and the 
universe created materially. 

Why does the record make man a creation of the 
sixth and last day, if he teas co-existent tcith God? 

In its genesis, the Science of creation is stated in 
mathematical order, beginning with the lowest form 
and ascending the scale of being up to man. But all 
that really is, always was, and forever is; for it existed 
in and of the Mind that is God, wherein man is foremost, 



58 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

If one has died of consumption, and lie has no re* 
membrance of that disease or dream, does that 
disease have any more power over him? 

Waking from a dream, one learns its unreality; then 
it has no power over one. Waking from the dream of 
death, proves to him who thought he died that it was 
a dream, and that he did not die; then he learns that 
consumption did not kill him. When the belief in the 
power of disease is destroyed, disease cannot return. 

Hoiv does Mrs. Eddy know that she has read and 
studied correctly, if one must deny the evidences of 
the senses? She had to use her eyes to read. 

Jesus said: "Having eyes ye see not." I read the 
inspired page through a higher than mortal sense. 
As matter, the eye cannot see; and as mortal mind, 
it is a belief that sees. I may read the Scriptures 
through a belief of eyesight; but I must spiritually 
understand them to interpret their Science. 

Does the theology of Christian Science aid its 
healing f 

Without its Theology there is no mental Science, 
no order that proceeds from God. All Science is 
Divine, not human, in origin and demonstration. If 
God does not govern the action of Mind, it is inhar- 
monious: if He does govern it, the action is Science. 
Take away the Theology of mental healing and you 
take away its Science, leaving it a human " mind-cure/' 
nothing more nor less, — even one human mind gov- 
erning another; by which, if you agree that God is 
Mind, you admit that there is more than one government 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 59 

and God. Having no true sense of the healing Theol- 
ogy of Mind, you can neither understand nor demon- 
strate its Science, and will practise your belief of it in 
the name of Truth. This is the mortal " mind-cure " 
that produces the effect of mesmerism. It is using 
the power of human will, instead of the Divine power 
understood, as in Christian Science; and without this 
Science there had better be no " mind-cure," — in 
which the last state of patients is worse than the first. 

Is it wrong to pray for the recovery of the siclc f 

ISTot if we pray scripturally, with the understanding 
that God has given all things to those who love Him; 
but pleading with Infinite Love to love us, or to restore 
health and harmony, and then to admit that it has been 
lost under his government, is the prayer of doubt and 
mortal belief that is unavailing in Divine Science. 

Is not all argument mind over mind? 

The Scriptures refer to God as saying, " Come, let 
us reason together." There is but one right Mind, and 
that one should and does govern man. Any co-partner- 
ship with that Mind is impossible; and the only bene- 
fit in speaking often one to another, arises from the 
success that one individual has with another in lead- 
ing his thoughts away from the human mind or body, 
and guiding them with Truth. That individual is the 
best healer who asserts himself the least, and thus be- 
comes a transparency for the divine Mind, who is the 
only Physician; the divine Mind is the scientific Healer. 

How can you believe there is no sin, and that God 



60 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

does not recognize any, when He sent his Son to save 
from sin, and the Bible is addressed to sinners? How 
can you believe there is no sickness, when Jesus came 
healing the sick? 

To regard sin, disease, and death with less deference, 
and only as the woeful unrealities of being, is the 
only way to destroy them; Christian Science is proving 
this by healing cases of disease and sin after all other 
means have failed. The I^azarite prophet could make 
the unreality of both apparent in a moment. 

Does it not limit the poicer of mind to deny the 
possibility of communion with departed friends- — 
dead only in belief? 

Does it limit the power of Mind to say that addi- 
tion is not subtraction in mathematics? The Science 
of Mind reveals the impossibility of two individual 
sleepers, in different phases of thought, communicating, 
even if touching each other corporeally; or, for one 
who sleeps, to communicate with another who is awake. 
Mind's possibilities are not lessened by being confined 
and conformed to the Science of Being. 

// mortal mind and body are myths, what is the 
connection between them and real identity, and why 
are there as many identities as mortal bodies? 

Evil in the beginning claimed the power, wisdom, 
and utility of good; and every creation or idea of 
Spirit has its counterfeit in some matter-belief. Every 
material belief hints the existence of spiritual reality; 
and if mortals are instructed in spiritual things, it 
will be seen that material belief, in all its manifesta- 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 61 

tions, reversed, will be found the type and representa- 
tive of verities priceless, eternal, and just at hand. 

The education of the future will be instruction, in 
spiritual Science, against the material symbolic coun- 
terfeit sciences. All the knowledge and vain strivings 
of mortal mind, that lead to death — even when 
aping the wisdom and magnitude of Immortal Mind — 
will be swallowed up by the reality and omnipotence 
of Truth over error, and of Life over death. 

" Dear Mrs. Eddy: In the October ' Journal ? I read 
the following: ( But the real man, who was created 
in the image of God, does not commit sin.' What then 
docs sin? What commits theft f Or who does mur- 
der? For instance, the man is held responsible for 
the crime; for I went once to a place where a man was 
said to be ' hanged for murder ? — and certainly I 
saw him, or his effigy, dangling at the end of a rope. 
This c man ' was held responsible for the l sin.' " 

What sins ? 

According to the Word, man is the image and like- 
ness of God. Does God's essential likeness sin, or dan- 
gle at the end of a rope? If not, what does? A cul- 
prit, a sinner, — anything but a man ! Then, what is 
a sinner? A mortal; but man is immortal. 

Again: mortals are the embodiments (or bodies, if 
you please) of error, not of Truth; of sickness, sin, 
and death. Naming these His embodiment, can neither 
make them so nor overthrow the logic that man is 
God's likeness. Mortals seem very material; man in 
the likeness of Spirit is spiritual. Holding the right 
idea of man in my mind, I can improve my own, and 



62 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

other people's individuality, health, and morals; where- 
as, the opposite .image of man, a sinner, kept con- 
stantly in mind, can no more improve health or morals, 
than holding in thought the form of a boa-constrictor 
can aid an artist in painting a landscape. 

Man is seen only in the true likeness of his Maker. 
Believing a lie, veils the Truth from our vision; even 
as in mathematics, in summing up positive and nega- 
tive quantities, the negative quantity offsets an equal 
positive quantity, making the aggregate positive, or 
true quantity, by that much, less available. 

Why do Christian Scientists hold that their The- 
ology is essential to heal the siclc, when the mind-cure 
claims to heal without it? 

The Theology of Christian Science is Truth; opposed 
to which is the error of sickness, sin, and death, that 
Truth destroys. 

A " mind-cure "is a matter-cure. An adherent to 
this method honestly acknowledges this fact in her 
work entitled " Mind-cure on a Material Basis." In 
that work the author grapples with Christian Science, 
attempts to solve its divine Principle by the rule of 
human mind, fails, and ends in a parody on this Sci- 
ence, which is amusing to astute readers, — especially 
when she tells them that she is practising this Science. 

The Theology of Christian Science is based on the 
action of the divine Mind over the human mind and 
body; whereas, "mind-cure" rests on the notion that 
the human mind can cure its own disease, or that which 
it causes, and the sickness of matter, — which is in- 
fidel in the one case, and anomalous in the other. It 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 63 

was said of old by Truth-traducers, that Jesus healed 
through Beelzebub ; but the claim • that one erring 
mind cures another one, was at first gotten up to hin- 
der his benign influence and to hide his divine power. 

Our Master understood that Life, Truth, Love, are 
the triune Principle of all pure Theology; also, that 
this divine Trinity is one infinite remedy for all sick- 
ness, sin, and death. 

// there is %io sin, why did Jesus come to save 
sinners? 

If there is no reality in sickness, why does a Chris- 
tian Scientist go to the bedside and address himself to 
the healing of disease, on the basis of its unreality? 
Jesus came to seek and to save such as believe in the 
reality of the unreal; to save them from this false 
belief; that they might lay hold of eternal Life, the 
great reality that concerns man, and understand the 
final fact, — that God is omnipotent and omnipresent; 
yea, " that the Lord is God, and there is none beside 
Him," as the Scripture declares. 

If Christ was God, ichy did Jesus cry out, " My 
God, why hast thou forsaken me?" 

Even as the struggling heart, reaching toward a 
higher goal, appeals to its hope and faith, Why f ailest 
thou me? Jesus as the son of man was human: Christ 
as the Son of God was divine. This divinity was 
reaching humanity through the crucifixion of the 
human, — that momentous demonstration of God, in 
which Spirit proved its supremacy over -matter. Jesus 
assumed for mortals the weakness of flesh, that Spirit 



64 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

might be found " All in all." Hence, the human cry 
which voiced that struggle; thence, the way he made 
for mortals' escape. Our great Master suffered all that 
he could suffer; then relinquished his earth-task of 
teaching and demonstrating the nothingness of sickness, 
sin, and death, and rose to his native estate, namely, 
man's indestructible and eternal Life in God. 

What can prospective students of the College take 
for preliminary studies? Do you regard the study 
of literature and languages as objectionable? 

Persons contemplating a course at the Massachusetts 
Metaphysical College, can prepare for it through no 
books except the Bible, and " Science and Health with 
Key to the Scriptures." Man-made theories are nar- 
row, else extravagant, and are always materialistic. 
The ethics which guide thought spiritually must bene- 
fit every one; for the only philosophy and religion 
that afford instruction, are those, which deal with facts 
and resist speculative opinions and fables. 

"Works on Science are profitable; for Science is not 
human. It is spiritual, and not material. Literature 
and Languages, to a limited extent, are aids to a stu- 
dent of the Bible and of Christian Science. 

Is it possible to know why we are put into this 
condition of mortality? 

It is quite as possible to know wherefore man is thus 
conditioned, as to be certain that he is in a state of 
mortality. The only evidence of the existence of a 
mortal man, or of a material state and universe, is 
gathered from the five personal senses. This delusive 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 65 

evidence, Science has dethroned by repeated proofs of 
its falsity. 

TTe have no more proof of human discord, — sin, 
sickness, disease, or death, — than we have that the 
earth's surface is flat, and her motions imaginary. If 
man's ipse dixit as to the stellar system is correct, this 
is because Science is true, and the evidence of the senses 
is false. Then why not submit to the affirmations of 
Science concerning the greater subject of human weal 
and woe? Every question between Truth and error, 
Science must and will decide. Left to the decision of 
Science, your query concerns a negative which the 
positive Truth destroys; for God's universe and man 
are immortal. We must not consider the false side of 
existence in order to gain the true solution of Life and 
its great realities. 

Have you changed your instructions as to the right 
icay of treating disease? 

I have not; and this important fact must be, and 
already is, apprehended by those who understand my 
instructions on this question. Christian Science de- 
mands both Law and Gospel, in order to demonstrate 
healing, and I have taught them both in its demonstra- 
tion, and with signs following. They are a unit in 
restoring the equipoise of mind and body, and bal- 
ancing man's account with his Maker. The sequence 
proves that strict adherence to one is inadequate to com- 
pensate for the absence of the other, since both con- 
stitute the Divine Law of healing. 

The Jewish religion demands that "whosoever shed- 
deth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed." 



66 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

But this law is not infallible in wisdom; and obedi- 
ence thereto may be found faulty, since false testimony 
or mistaken evidence may cause the innocent to suffer 
for the guilty. Hence the Gospel that fulfils the 
Law in righteousness, the genius whereof is displayed 
in the surprising wisdom of these words of the New 
Testament : " Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he 
also reap. 7 ' No possible injustice lurks in this man- 
date, and no human misjudgment can pervert it; for 
the offender alone suffers, and always according to 
divine decree. This sacred, solid precept is verified in 
all directions in Mind-healing, and is supported in the 
Scripture by parallel proof. 

The Law and Gospel of Truth and Love teach, 
through Divine Science, that sin is identical with suf- 
fering, and that suffering is the lighter affliction. To 
reach the summit of Science, whence to discern God's 
perfect ways and means, the material sense must be 
controlled by the higher spiritual sense, and Truth be 
enthroned, while " we look not at the things that are 
seen, but at those which are not seen." 

Cynical critics misjudge my meaning as to the sci- 
entific treatment of the sick. Disease that is superin- 
duced by sin is not healed like the more physical 
ailment. The beginner in sin-healing must know this, 
or he never can reach the Science of Mind-healing, and 
so " overcome evil with good." Error in premise is 
met with error in practice; yea, it is " the blind leading 
the blind." Ignorance of the cause of disease can 
neither remove that cause nor its effect. 

I endeavor to accommodate my instructions to the 
present capability of the learner, and to support the 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 67 

liberated thought until its altitude reaches beyond the 
mere alphabet of Mind-healing. Above physical wants, 
lie the higher claims of the Law and Gospel of healing. 
First is the Law, which saith : — 

" Thou shalt not commit adultery;" in other words, 
thou shalt not adulterate Life, Truth, or Love, — men- 
tally, morally, or physically; — "Thou shalt not steal;" 
that is, thou shalt not rob man of money, which is but 
trash, compared with his rights of mind and character; — 
" Thou shalt not kill;" that is, thou shalt not strike at the 
eternal sense of Life with a malicious aim, but shalt 
know that by doing thus, thine own sense of Life shall be 
forfeited; — "Thou shalt not bear false witness;" that is, 
thou shalt not utter a lie, either mentally or audibly, nor 
cause it to be thought. Obedience to these command- 
ments is indispensable to health, happiness, and length of 
days. 

The Gospel of Healing demonstrates the Law of Love. 
Justice uncovers sin of every sort; and mercy demands 
that if you see the danger menacing others, you shall, 
Deo volente, inform them thereof. Only thus is the 
right practice of Mind-healing achieved, and the wrong 
practice discerned, disarmed, and destroyed. 

Do you believe in translation? 

If your question refers to language, whereby one 
expresses the sense of words in one language by equiva- 
lent words in another, I do. If you refer to the 
removal of a person to heaven, without his subjection 
to death, I modify my affirmative answer. I believe 
in this removal being possible after all the footsteps 
requisite have been taken up to the very throne, up to 



68 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

the spiritual sense and fact of divine Substance, Intelli- 
gence, Life, and Love. This translation is not the work 
of moments; it requires both time and eternity. It means 
more than mere disappearance to the human sense; it 
must include also man's changed appearance and diviner 
form visible to those beholding him here. 

The Rev. said in a sermon: A true Christian 

would protest against Metaphysical Healing being 
called Christian Science. He also maintained that 
pain and disease are not illusions but realities; and 
that it is not Christian to believe they are illusions. 
Is this so? 

It is unchristian to believe that pain and sickness 
are anything but illusions. My proof of this is, that 
the penalty for believing in their reality is the very 
pain and disease. Jesus cast out a devil, and the dumb 
spake; hence it is right to know that the works of Satan 
are the illusion and error which Truth casts out. 

Does the gentleman above mentioned know the 
meaning of Divine Metaphysics, or of Metaphysical 
Theology? 

According to Webster, Metaphysics is defined thus: 
" The Science of the conceptions and relations which 
are necessary to thought and knowledge; Science of 
the Mind." Worcester defines it as " the philosophy 
of Mind, as distinguished from that of matter; a Sci- 
ence of which the object is to explain the principles 
and causes of all things existing." Brande calls Meta- 
physics " the Science which regards the ultimate grounds 
of Being, as distinguished from its phenomenal modi- 
fications." " A speculative science, which soars be- 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 69 

yond the bounds of experience/' is a further definition. 

Divine Metaphysics is that which treats of the ex- 
istence of God, His essence, relations, and attributes. 
A sneer at Metaphysics is a scoff at Deity; at His good- 
ness, mercy, and might. 

Christian Science is the unfolding of true Meta- 
physics; that is, of Mind, or God, and His attributes. 
Science rests on Principle and demonstration. The 
Principle of Christian Science is divine. Its rule is, 
that man shall utilize the Divine power. 

In Genesis i. 26, we read: "Let us make man in 
our image, after our likeness: and let them have 
dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl 
of the air/' 

I was once called to visit a sick man to whom the 
regular physicians had given three closes of Croton 
oil, and then had left him to die. Upon my arrival I 
found him barely alive, and in terrible agony. In 
one hour he was well, and the next day he attended 
to his business. I removed the stoppage, healed him 
of enteritis, and neutralized the bad effects of the 
poisonous oil. His physicians had failed even to move 
his bowels, — though the wonder was, with the means 
used in their effort to accomplish this result, that they 
had not quite killed him. According to their diagnosis, 
the exciting cause of the inflammation and stoppage 
was, — eating smoked herring. The man is living yet ; 
and I will send his address to anyone who may wish 
to apply to him for information about his case. 

Now comes the question: Had that sick man do- 
minion over the fish in his stomach? 

His want of control over " the fish of the sea " 



70 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

must have been an illusion, or else the Scriptures mis- 
state man's power. That the Bible is true I believe, 
not only, but I demonstrated its truth when I exer- 
cised my power over the fish, cast out the sick man's 
illusion, and healed him. Thus it was shown that 
the healing action of Mind upon the body, has its only 
explanation in divine Metaphysics. " As a man thinketh 
in his heart, so is he." When the mortal . thought, or 
belief, was removed, the man was well. 

What did Jesus mean token he said to the dying 
thief, " To-day shalt thou be with me in Paradise " f 

Paradisiacal rest from physical agony would come 
to the criminal, if the dream of dying should startle 
him from the dream of suffering. The Paradise of 
Spirit would come to Jesus, in a spiritual sense of 
Life and power. Christ Jesus lived and reappeared. 
He was too good to die; for goodness is Immortal. The 
thief was not equal to the demands of the hour; but 
sin was destroying itself, and had already begun to 
die, — as the poor thief's prayer for help indicated. 
The dying malefactor and our Lord were inevitably 
separated through Mind. The thief's body, as matter, 
must dissolve into its native nothingness; whereas the 
body of the holy Spirit of Jesus was eternal. That 
day the thief would be with Jesus only in a finite and 
material sense of relief; while our Lord would soon 
be rising to the supremacy of Spirit, working out, even 
in the silent tomb, those wonderful demonstrations of 
Divine power, in which none could equal his glory. 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 71 

Is it right for me to treat others, when I am not 
entirely well myself f 

The late John B. Gough is said to have suffered 
from an appetite for alcoholic drink until his death; 
yet he saved many a drunkard from this fatal appetite. 
Paul had a thorn in the flesh: one writer thinks that 
he was troubled with rheumatism, and another that 
he had sore eyes; but this is certain, that he healed 
others who were sick. It is unquestionably right to 
do right ; and healing the sick is a very right thing to do. 

Does Christian Science set aside the law of trans- 
mission, pre-natal desires, and good or bad influences 
on the unborn child? 

Science never averts law, but supports it. All 
actual causation must interpret Omnipotence, the all- 
knowing Mind. Law brings out Truth, not error; 
unfolds Divine Principle, — but neither human hy- 
pothesis nor matter. Errors are based on a mortal or 
material formation; they are suppositional modes, not 
the factors of Divine presence and power. 

Whatever is humanly conceived is a departure from 
Divine law; hence its mythical origin and certain end. 
According to the Scriptures ; St. Paul declares astutely, 
" for of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all 
things." Man is incapable of originating : nothing can 
be formed apart from God, Good, the all-knowing Mind. 
What seems to be of human origin is the counterfeit 
of the Divine, — even human concepts, mortal shadows 
flitting across the dial of time. 

Whatever is real is right and eternal ; hence the 
immutable and just law of Science, that God is good 



72 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

only, and can transmit to man and the universe nothing 
evil, or unlike Himself. For the innocent babe to be 
born a lifelong sufferer because of his parent's mis- 
takes or sins, were sore injustice. Science sets aside 
man as a creator, and unfolds the eternal harmonies 
of the only living and true Origin, God. 

According to the beliefs of the flesh, both good and 
bad traits of the parents are transmitted to their help- 
less offspring, and God is supposed to impart to man 
this fatal power. It is cause for rejoicing that this 
belief is as false as it is remorseless. The immutable 
Word saith, through the prophet Ezekiel, " What mean 
ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of 
Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, 
and the children's teeth are set on edge? As I live, 
saith the Lord God, ye shall not have occasion any 
more to use this proverb in Israel." 

Are material tilings real when they are harmonious, 
and do they disappear only to the natural sense f 
Does this Scripture, " Your heavenly Father Tcnoweth 
that ye have need of all these things" imply that Spirit 
takes note of matter? 

The Science of Mind, as well as the material uni- 
verse, shows that nothing which is material is in 
perpetual harmony. Matter is manifest mortal mind, 
and it exists only to material sense. Real sensation 
is not material; it is, and must be, mental: and Mind 
is not mortal, it is immortal. Being is God, infinite 
Spirit; therefore it cannot cognize aught material, or 
outside of Infinity. 

The scriptural passage quoted affords no evidence of 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 73 

tlie reality of matter, or that God is conscious of it. 
The so-called material body is said to suffer, but this 
supposition is proven erroneous when Mind casts out 
the suffering. The Scripture saith, " Whom the Lord 
loveth he chasteneth;" and again, "He doth not 
afflict willingly.'' Interpreted materially, these pas- 
sages conflict; they mingle the testimony of im- 
mortal Science with mortal sense; but once discern their 
spiritual meaning, and it separates the false sense from 
the true, and establishes the reality of what is spiritual, 
and the unreality of materiality. 

Law is never material: it is always mental and moral, 
and a commandment to the wise. The foolish disobey 
moral law, and are punished. Human wisdom there- 
fore can get no farther than to say, He knoweth that 
we have need of experience. Belief fulfils the con- 
ditions of a belief, and these conditions destroy the 
belief. Hence the verdict of experience: We have 
need of these things; we have need to know that the 
so-called pleasures and' pains of matter, — yea, that 
all subjective states of false sensation, — are unreal. 

u And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto yon, 
that ye which have followed me in the regeneration, 
when the Hon of man shall sit on the throne of his 
glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging 
the twelve tribes of Israel." (Matt. xix. 28). What is 
meant by regeneration? 

It is the appearing of Divine law to human under- 
standing; the spiritualization that comes from spiritual 
sense in contradistinction to the testimony of the so- 
called material senses. The phenomena of Spirit in 



74: MISCELLANEOUS WKITINGS. 

Christian Science, and the divine correspondence of 
noumenon and phenomenon understood are here signi- 
fied. This new-born sense subdues not only the false 
sense of generation, but the human will, and the un- 
natural enmity of mortal man toward God. It quickly 
imparts a new apprehension of the true basis of Being, 
and the spiritual foundation for the affections which en- 
throne the Son of Man in the glory of his Father; and 
judges, through the stern mandate of Science, all human 
systems of etiology and teleology. 

If God does not recognize matter, how did Jesus, 
who was the Way, the Truth, and the Life, cognize it? 

Christ Jesus' sense of matter was the opposite of that 
which mortals entertain: his nativity was a spiritual and 
immortal sense of the ideal world. His earthly mission 
was to translate substance into its original meaning, 
Mind. He walked upon the waves ; he turned the water 
into wine; he healed the sick and the sinner; he raised 
the dead, and rolled away the stone from the door of his 
own tomb. His demonstration of Spirit virtually van- 
quished matter and its supposed laws. Walking the 
wave, he proved the fallacy of the theory that matter is 
substance; healing through Mind, he removed any sup- 
position that matter is intelligent, or can recognize or 
express pain and pleasure. His triumph over the grave 
was an everlasting victory for Life; it demonstrated the 
lifelessness of matter, and the power and permanence 
of Spirit. He met and conquered the resistance of the 
world. 

If you will admit, with me, that matter is neither 
Substance, Intelligence, nor Life, you may have all that 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 75 

is left of it; and you will have touched the hem of the 
garment of Jesus' idea of matter. Christ was the Way; 
since Life and Truth were the Way that gave us, 
through a human person, a spiritual revelation of man's 
possible earthly development. 

Why do you insist that there is but one Soul, and 
that Soul is not in the body? 

First. I urge this fundamental fact and grand verity 
of Christian Science, because it includes a rule that must 
be understood, or it is impossible to demonstrate the Sci- 
ence. Soul is a synonym of Spirit, and God is Spirit. 
There is but one God, and the Infinite is not within the 
finite; hence Soul is one, and is God; and God is not in 
matter or the mortal body. 

Secondly. Because Soul is a term for Deity, and this 
term should seldom be employed except where the word 
God can be used and make complete sense. The word 
Soul may sometimes be used metaphorically; but if this 
term is warped to signify human quality, a substitution 
of sense for soul clears the meaning, and assists one to 
understand Christian Science. Mary's exclamation, 
" My soul doth magnify the Lord," is rendered in Sci- 
ence, "My spiritual sense doth magnify the Lord;" 
for the name of Deity used in that place does not 
bring out the meaning of the passage. It was evidently 
an illuminated sense through which she discovered the 
spiritual origin of man. " The soul that sinneth, it shall 
die," means, that mortal man (alias material sense) that 
sinneth, shall die; and the commonly accepted view is 
that soul is deathless. Soul is the Divine Mind, — for 
Soul cannot be formed or brought forth by human 



76 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

thought, — and must proceed from God; hence it must 
be sinless, and destitute of self-created or derived capa- 
city to sin. 

Thirdly. Jesus said, " If a man keep my sayings, he 
shall never see death." This statement of our Master is 
true, and remains to be demonstrated; for it is the ulti- 
matum of Christian Science; but this immortal saying 
can never be tested or proven true upon a false premise, 
such as the mortal belief that Soul is in body, and Life 
and Intelligence are in matter. That doctrine is not 
Theism, but Pantheism. According to human belief the 
bodies of mortals are mortal, but they contain immortal 
souls! hence these bodies must die for these souls to 
escape and be immortal. The theory that death must 
occur, to set a human soul free from its environments, 
is rendered void by Jesus' divine declaration, who spake 
as never man spake, — and no man can rationally reject 
his authority on this subject, and accept it on other 
topics, less important. 

~Now, exchange the term soul for sense whenever this 
word means the so-called soul in the body, and you w T ill 
find the right meaning indicated. The misnamed hu- 
man soul is material sense, which sinneth and shall die; 
for it is an error or false sense of mentality in matter, and 
matter has no sense. You will admit that Soul is the 
Life of man. Now if Soul sinned, it would die ; for " the 
wages of sin is death." The Scripture saith, " When 
Christ who is our Life shall appear, then shall we be like 
unto him in glory." To understand this is the Science 
of Soul, Spirit; and this understanding is essential to the 
fulfilment of that glorious prophecy of the If aster Meta- 
physician, who overcame the last enemy, death. 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 77 

Did the salvation of the eunuch depend merely on 
his believing that Jesus Christ was the Son of God? 

It did; but this believing was more than faith in the 
fact that Jesus was the Messiah. Here the verb believe 
took its original meaning, namely, to be firm, — yea, to 
understand those great truths asserted of the Messiah: 
it meant to discern and consent to that infinite demand 
made upon the eunuch in those few words of the Apos- 
tle. Philip's requirement was, that he should not only 
acknowledge the incarnation, — God made manifest 
through man, — but even the eternal unity of man and 
God, as the divine Principle and spiritual idea; which is 
the indissoluble bond of union, the power and presence, 
in Divine Science, of Life, Truth, and Love, to support 
their ideal man. This is the Father's great Love that 
He hath bestowed upon us, and it holds man in endless 
Life and one eternal round of harmonious being. It 
guides him by Truth that knows no error, and with su- 
persensual, impartial, and unquenchable Love. To 
believe is to be firm. In adopting all this vast idea of 
Christ Jesus, the eunuch was to know in whom he 
believed. To believe thus was to enter the spiritual sanc- 
tuary of Truth, and there learn, in Divine Science, some- 
what of the All-Father, Mother, God. It was to under- 
stand God and man: it was sternly to rebuke the mortal 
belief that man has fallen away from his first estate ; that 
man, made in God's own likeness, and reflecting Truth, 
could fall into mortal error; or, that man is the father of 
man. It was to enter unshod the Holy of Holies, where 
the miracle of grace appears, and where the miracles of 
Jesus had their birth, — healing the sick, casting out 
evils, and resurrecting the human sense to the belief 



78 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

that Life, God, is not buried in matter. This is the spirit- 
ual dawn of the Messiah, and the Overture of the 
Angels. This is when God is made manifest in the 
flesh, and thus it destroys all sense of sin, sickness, and 
death ; — when the brightness of His glory encompasseth 
all being. 

Can Christian ' Science Mind-healing be taught to 
those who are absent? 

The Science of Mind-healing can no more be taught 
thus, than can Science in any other direction. I know 
not how to teach either Euclid or the Science of Mind 
silently; and never dreamed that either of these partook 
of the nature of occultism, magic, alchemy, or necro- 
mancy. These " ways that are vain " are the inventions 
of animal magnetism, which would deceive, if possible, 
the very elect. We will charitably hope, however, that 
some people employ the et cetera of ignorance and self- 
conceit unconsciously, in their witless ventilation of false 
statements and claims. Misguiding the public mind and 
taking its money in exchange for this abuse, has become 
too common : we will hope it is the froth of error passing 
off; and that Christian Science will some time appear all 
the clearer for the purification of the public thought 
concerning it. 

Has man fallen from a state of perfection? 

If God is the Principle of man (and He is), man is the 
idea of God; and this idea cannot fail to express the 
exact nature of its Principle, — any more than goodness, 
to present the quality of good. Human hypotheses are 
always human vagaries, formulated views antagonistic to 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 79 

the Divine order and the nature of Deity. All these 
mortal beliefs will be purged and dissolved in the cru- 
cible of Truth, and " the places once knowing them will 
know them no more forever/' having been swept clean 
by the winds of history. The grand verities of Science 
will sift the chaff from the wheat, until it is clear to 
human comprehension that man was, and is, God's per- 
fect likeness, that reflects all whereby we can know God. 
In Him we live, move, and have being. Man's origin 
and existence being in Him, man is the ultimatum of per- 
fection, and by no means the medium of imperfection. 
Immortal man is the eternal idea. of Truth, that cannot 
lapse into a mortal belief or error concerning himself and 
his origin: he cannot get out of the focal distance of 
infinity, (if God- is upright and eternal, man as his like- 
ness is erect in goodness and perpetual in Life, Truth, 
and Love. If the great Cause is perfect, its effect is per- 
fect also ; and Cause and effect in Science are immutable 
and immortal.) A mortal who is sinning, sick, and dying, 
is not immortal man; and never was, and never can be, 
God's image and likeness, the true ideal of immortal 
man's divine Principle. The Spiritual man is that 
perfect and unf alien likeness, co-existent and co-eternal 
with God. " As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall 
all be made alive." 

What course should Christian Scientists take in 
regard to aiding persons brought before the courts for 
violation of medical statutes? 

Beware of joining any medical league which in any 
way obligates you to assist — because they chance to be 
under arrest — vendors of patent pills, mesmerists, 



80 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

occultists, sellers of impure literature, and authors of 
spurious works on mental healing. By rendering error 
such a service, you lose much more than can be gained 
by mere unity on the single issue of opposition to unjust 
medical laws. 

A league which obligates its members to give money 
and influence in support and defence of medical char- 
latans in general, and possibly to aid individual rights 
in a wrong direction — which Christian Science es- 
chews — should be avoided. Anybody and everybody, 
who will fight the medical faculty, can join this league. 
It is better to be friendly with cultured and consci- 
entious medical men, who leave Christian Science to 
rise or fall on its own merit or demerit, than to affiliate 
with a wrong class of people. 

Unconstitutiona] and unjust coercive legislation and 
laws, infringing individual rights, must be " of few days 
and full of trouble." The vox populi, through the 
providence of God, promotes and impels all true re- 
form; and, at the best time, will redress wrongs and 
rectify injustice. Tyranny can thrive but feebly under 
our government. God reigns, and will " turn and over- 
turn " until right is found supreme. 

In a certain sense, we should commiserate the lot of 
regular doctors, who, in successive generations for cen- 
turies, have planted and sown and reaped, in the fields 
of what they deem pathology, hygiene, and therapeutics, 
but are now elbowed by a New School of practitioners, 
outdoing the healing of the Old. The Old will not 
patronize the New School, at least not until it shall 
come to understand the medical system of the New. 

Christian Science Mind-healing rests demonstrably on 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 81 

the broad and sure foundation of Science; and this is 
not the basis of materia medica, as some of the most 
skilful and scholarly physicians openly admit. 

To prevent all unpleasant and unchristian action — 
as we drift, by right of God's dear Love, into more 
spiritual lines of life — let each society of practitioners, 
the Matter-physicians and the Metaphysicians, agree to 
disagree, and then patiently wait on God to decide, as 
surely He will, which is the true system of medicine. 

Do tee not see in the commonly accepted teachings 
of the day, the Christ-idea mingled with the teachings 
of John the Baptist? or, rather, Are not the last 
eighteen centuries but the footsteps of Truth being 
baptized of John, and coming up straightway out of 
the ceremonial (or ritualistic) waters to receive the 
benediction of an honored Father, and afterwards to 
go up into the wilderness, in order to overcome mortal 
sense, before it shall go forth into all the cities and 
towns of Judea, or see many of the people from beyond 
Jordan? Now, if all this be a fair or correct view 
of this question, why does not John hear this voice, 
or see the dove, — or has not Truth yet reached the 
shore ? 

Every individual character, like the individual John 
the Baptist, at some date must cry in the desert of 
earthly joy; and His voice be heard divinely and 
humanly. In the desolation of human understanding, 
divine Love hears and answers the human call for help; 
and the voice of Truth utters the divine verities of Being, 
which deliver mortals out of the depths of ignorance 
and vice. This is the Father's benediction. It gives 

6 



82 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

lessons to human life, guides the understanding, peo- 
ples the mind with spiritual ideas, reconstructs the 
Judean religion, and reveals God and man as the Prin- 
ciple and idea of all good. 

Understanding this fact in Christian Science, brings 
the peace symbolized by a dove; and this peace floweth 
as a river into a shoreless eternity. He who knew the 
foretelling Truth, beheld the forthcoming Truth, as it 
came up out of the baptism of Spirit, to enlighten and 
redeem mortals. Such Christians as John, cognize the 
symbols of God, reach the sure foundations of time, 
stand upon the shore of eternity, and grasp and gather 
— in all glory — what eye hath not seen. 

Is there infinite progression with man after the 
destruction of mortal mind? 

Man is the offspring and idea of the Supreme Being, 
whose law is perfect and infinite. In obedience to this 
law, man is forever unfolding the endless beatitudes of 
Being; for he is the image and likeness of Infinite Life, 
Truth, and Love. 

Infinite progression is concrete Being, which finite 
mortals see and comprehend only as abstract glory. As 
mortal mind, or the material sense of life, is put off, 
the spiritual sense and Science of Being is brought to 
light. 

Mortal mind is a myth; the One Mind is immortal. 
A mythical or mortal sense of existence is consumed 
as a moth, in the treacherous glare of its own flame — 
the errors which devour it. Immortal Mind is God, 
immortal Good; in whom the Scripture saith, "we live, 
move, and have our being." This Mind, then, is not 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 83 

subject to growth, change, or diminution, but is the 
Divine Intelligence, or Principle, of all real Being; 
holding man forever in the rhythmic round of unfold- 
ing bliss, as a living witness to and perpetual idea of 
inexhaustible Good. 

In your hook, " Science and Health" page 181, 
you say: "Every sin is the author of itself, and every 
invalid the cause of his own suffering" On page 
182 you say: " Sickness is a growth of illusion, spring- 
ing from a seed of thought, — either your own thought 
or another's." Will you please explain this seeming 
contradiction? 

l$o person can accept another's belief, except it be 
with the consent of his own belief. If the error which 
knocks at the door of your own thought originated in 
another's mind, you are a free moral agent to reject 
or to accept this error; hence, you are the arbiter of 
your own fate, and sin is the author of sin. In the 
words of our Master, you are " a liar and the father of 
it [the lie]." 

Why did Jesus call himself the Son of Man? 

In the life of our Lord, meekness was as conspicuous 
as might. In John xvii. he declared his sonship with 
God : " These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his 
eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; 
glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee." 
The hour had come for the avowal of this great Truth, 
and for the proof of his eternal Life and sonship. Jesus' 
wisdom ofttimes was shown by his forbearing to speak, 
as well as by speaking, the whole truth. Haply he 



84 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

waited for a preparation of the human heart to receive 
startling announcements. This wisdom, which character- 
ized his sayings, did not prophesy his death, and thereby 
hasten or permit it. 

The disciples and prophets thrust disputed points on 
minds unprepared for them. This cost them their lives, 
and the world's temporary esteem ; but the prophecies 
were fulfilled, and their motives were rewarded by 
growth and more spiritual understanding, which dawns 
by degrees on mortals. The spiritual Christ w^as infal- 
lible ; Jesus, as material manhood, was not Christ. The 
Man of sorrows knew that the Man of joys, his spiritual 
self, or Christ, was the Son of God ; and that the mor- 
tal mind, not the Immortal Mind, suffered. The human 
manifestation of the Son of God was called the Son of 
Man, or Mary's Son. 

Please explain PauVs meaning in the text, " For 
me to live is Christ and to die is gain." 

The Science of Life overshadowing Paul's sense of 
life in matter, so far extinguished the latter as forever 
to quench his love for it. The discipline of the flesh 
is designed to turn one, like a weary traveller, to the 
home of Love. To lose error thus, is to live in Christ, 
Truth. A true sense of the falsity of material joys 
and sorrows, pleasures and pains, takes them away, and 
teaches Life's lessons aright. The transition from our 
lower sense of Life to a new and higher sense thereof, 
even though it be through the door named Death, yields 
a clearer and nearer sense of Life to those who have 
utilized the present, and are ripe for the Harvest 
Home. To the battle-worn and weary Christian hero, 
Life eternal brings blessings. 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 85 

Is a Christian Scientist ever sick, and has he who 
is sick been regenerated? 

The Christian Scientist learns spiritually all that he 
knows of Life, and demonstrates what he understands. 
God is recognized as the divine Principle of his being, 
and of every thought and act leading to good. His 
purpose must be right, though his power is temporarily 
limited. Perfection, the goal of existence, is not won 
in a moment; and regeneration leading thereto is 
gradual, for it culminates in the fulfilment of this divine 
rule in Science : " Be ye, therefore, perfect, even as 
your Father in Heaven is perfect." 

The last degree of regeneration rises into the rest of 
perpetual, spiritual, individual existence. The first 
feeble flutterings of mortals Christ-ward, are infantile, 
and more or less imperfect. The new-born Christian 
Scientist must mature, and work out his own salva- 
tion. Spirit and flesh antagonize. Temptation, that 
mist of mortal mind which seems to be matter and the 
environment of mortals, suggests pleasure and pain in 
matter; and, so long as this temptation lasts, the war- 
fare is not ended, and the mortal is not regenerated. 
The pleasures — more than the pains — of sense, re- 
tard regeneration; for pain compels human conscious- 
ness to escape from sense into the immortality and 
harmony of Soul. Disease in error, more than ease in 
it, tends to destroy error: the sick often are thereby led 
to Christ, Truth, and to learn their way out of both 
sickness and sin. 

The material and physical are imperfect. The in- 
dividual and spiritual are perfect; these have no fleshly 
nature. This final degree of regeneration is saving, and 



86 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

the Christian will, must, attain it; but it doth not yet 
appear. Until this be attained, the Christian Scien- 
tist must continue to strive with sickness, sin, and 
death — though in lessening degrees — and manifest 
growth at every experience. 

Is it correct to say of material objects, that they 
are nothing and exist only in imagination? 

Nothing and something are words which need correct 
definition. They either mean formations of indefinite 
and vague human opinions, or Scientific classifications 
of the unreal and the real. My sense of the beauty 
of the universe is, that beauty typifies holiness, and is 
something to be desired. Earth is more spiritually 
beautiful to my gaze now than when it was more 
earthly to the eyes of Eve. The pleasant sensations of 
human belief, of form and color, must be spiritualized, 
until we gain the glorified sense of Substance as in the 
new Heaven and earth, the harmony of body and Mind. 

Even the human conception of beauty, grandeur, and 
utility, is something that defies a sneer. It is more than 
imagination. It is next to divine beauty and the 
grandeur of Spirit. It lives with our earth-life, and 
is the subjective state of high thoughts. The at- 
mosphere of mortal mind constitutes our mortal en- 
vironment. What mortals hear, see, feel, taste, smell, 
constitutes their present earth and heavens : but we must 
grow out of even this pleasing thraldom, and find wings 
to reach the glory of supersensible Life; then we shall 
soar above, as the bird in the clear ether of the blue 
temporal sky. 

To take all earth's beauty into one gulp of vacuity 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 87 

and label beauty nothing, is ignorantly to caricature 
God's creation; which is unjust to human sense, and 
to the divine realism. In our immature sense of spirit- 
ual things, let us say of the beauties of the sensuous 
universe : " I love your promise ; and shall know, 
sometime, the spiritual reality and substance of form, 
light, and color, of what I now through you discern 
dimly; and knowing this, I shall be satisfied. Matter 
is a frail conception of mortal mind; and mortal mind 
is a poorer representative of the beauty, grandeur, and 
glory, of the immortal Mind." 

Please inform us, through your Journal, if you sent 

Mrs. ■ to . She said that you sent her 

there to look after the students; and also, that no one 
there was working in Science, — tvhich is certainly 
a mistake. 

I never commission any one to teach students of mine. 
After class-teaching, he does best in the investigation 
of Christian Science who is most reliant on himself and 
God. My students are taught the divine Principle 
and rules of the Science of Mind-healing. What they 
need thereafter, is to study thoroughly the Scriptures 
and " Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." 
To watch and pray, to be honest, in earnest, loving, and 
truthful, is indispensable to the demonstration of the 
Truth they have been taught. 

If they are haunted by obsequious helpers, who, un- 
called for, imagine they can help anybody and steady 
God's altar — this interference prolongs the struggle 
and tends to blight the fruits of my students. A faith- 
ful student may even sometimes feel the need of 



88 MISCELLANEOUS WHITINGS. 

physical help, and occasionally receive it from others ; 
but the less this is required, the better it is for that 
student. 

Please give us, through your Journal, the name of 
the author of that genuine critique in the September 
number, " What Quibus Thinks." 

I am pleased to inform this inquirer, that the author 
of the article in question is a Boston gentleman whose 
thought is appreciated by many liberals. Patience, ob- 
servation, intellectual culture, reading, writing, ex- 
tensive travel, and twenty years in the pulpit, have 
equipped him as a critic who knows whereof he speaks. 
His allusion to Christian Science in the following 
paragraph, glows in the shadow of darkling criticism 
like a midnight sun. Its manly honesty follows like a 
benediction after prayer, and closes the task of talking 
to deaf ears and dull debaters. 

" We have always insisted that this Science is natural, 
spiritually natural; that Jesus was the highest type of 
real nature; that Christian healing is supernatural, or 
extra-natural, only to those who do not enter into its 
sublimity or understand its modes — as imported ice 
was miraculous to the equatorial African, who had 
never seen water freeze." 

7s it right for a Scientist to treat icitli a doctor? 

This depends upon what kind of a doctor it is. Mind- 
healing, and healing with drugs, are opposite modes of 
medicine. As a rule, drop one of these doctors when 
you employ the other. The Scripture saith, " no man 
can serve two masters;" and, "Every kingdom divided 
against itself is brought to desolation." 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 89 

If Scientists are called upon to care for a member 
of the family, or a friend in siclmess, who is employ- 
ing a regular physician, would it be right to treat 
this patient at all; and ought the patient to folloiv 
the doctor's directions? 

When patients are under material medical treatment, 
it is advisable in most cases that Scientists do not treat 
them, or interfere with materia medica. If the patient 
is in peril, and you save him or alleviate his sufferings, 
although the medical attendant and friends have no 
faith in your method, it is humane, and not unchristian, 
to do him all the good you can; but your good will 
generally " be evil spoken of." The hazard of casting 
" pearls before swine " caused our Master to refuse 
help to some who sought his aid; and he left this pre- 
caution for others. 

If mortal man is unreal, how can he be saved, and 
why does he need to be saved? I ask for information, 
not for controversy, for I am a seeker after Truth. 

You will find the proper answer to this question in 
my published works. Man is immortal. Mortal man 
is a false concept that is not spared or prolonged by being 
saved from itself, from whatever is false. This salva- 
tion means: saved from error, or error overcome. Im- 
mortal man, in God's likeness, is safe in Divine Science. 
Mortal man is saved on this divine Principle, if he 
will only avail himself of the efficacy of Truth, and 
recognize his Saviour. He must know that God is 
omnipotent; hence, that sin is impotent. He must know 
that the power of sin is the pleasure in sin. Take away 
this pleasure, and you remove all reality from its power. 



90 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

Jesus demonstrated sin and death to be powerless. This 
practical Truth saves from sin, and will save all who 
understand it. 

Is it wrong for a wife to have a husband treated 
for sin, when she knows he is sinning, or for drink- 
ing and smoking? 

It is always right to act rightly; but sometimes, under 
circumstances exceptional, it is inexpedient to attack 
evil. This rule is forever golden : " As ye would that 
men should do to you, do ye even so to them." Do 
you desire to be freed from sin? Then help others to 
be free ; but in your measures, obey the Scriptures, " Be 
ye wise as serpents." Break the yoke of bondage in 
every wise way. First, be sure that your means for 
doing good are equal to your motives; then judge them 
by their fruits. 

// not ordained, shall the Pastor of the Church 
of Christ, Scientist, administer the Communion, — 
and shall members of a Church not organized receive 
the Communion? 

Our great Master administered to his disciples the 
Passover, or Last Supper, without this prerogative 
being conferred by a visible organization and ordained 
priesthood. His spiritually prepared Breakfast, after 
his resurrection, and after his disciples had left their 
nets to follow him, is the spiritual Communion which 
Christian Scientists celebrate in commemoration of the 
Christ. This ordinance is significant as a type of the 
true worship, and it should be observed at present in 
our churches. 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 91 

It is not indispensable to organize materially Christ's 
Church. It is not absolutely necessary to ordain 
pastors, and to dedicate churches; but if this be done, 
let it be in concession to the period, and not as a per- 
petual or indispensable ceremonial of the Church. If 
our Church is organized, it is to meet the demand, 
" Sutler it to be so now." The real Christian compact 
is love for one another. This bond is wholly spiritual 
and inviolate. 

It is imperative, at all times and under every cir- 
cumstance, to perpetuate no ceremonials except as 
types of these mental conditions, — remembrance and 
love; a real affection for Jesus' character and example. 
Be it remembered, that all types employed in the ser- 
vice of Christian Science should represent the most 
spiritual forms of thought and worship that can be 
made visible. 

Should not the teacher of Christian Science have 
our text-book, " Science and Health with Key to the 
Scriptures" in his schoolroom and teach from it? 

I never dreamed, until informed thereof, that a loyal 
student did not take his text-book with him into the 
class-room, ask questions from it, answer them accord- 
ing to it, and, as occasion required, read from the book 
as authority for what he taught. I supposed that 
students had followed my example, and that of other 
teachers, sufficiently to do this, and also to require their 
pupils to study the lessons before recitations. 

To omit these important points is anomalous, con- 
sidering the necessity for understanding Science, and 
the present liability of deviating from Christian Sci- 



92 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

ence. Centuries will intervene before the statement 
of the inexhaustible topics of that book become suffi- 
ciently understood to be absolutely demonstrated. 
The teacher of Christian Science needs continually to 
study this text-book. His work is to replenish thought, 
and to spiritualize human life, from this open fount 
of Truth and Love. 

He who sees most clearly and enlightens other minds 
most readily, keeps his own lamp trimmed and burning. 
He will take the text-book of Christian Science into his 
class, repeat the questions in " Recapitulation," and his 
students will answer them from the same source. 
Throughout his entire explanations, the teacher should 
strictly adhere to the questions and answers contained 
in that chapter of " Science and Health with Key to 
the Scriptures." It is important to point out the 
lesson to the class, and to. require the students thor- 
oughly to study it before the recitations; ' for this 
spiritualizes their thoughts. When closing his class, 
the teacher should require each member to own a copy 
of the above-named book and to continue the study of 
this text-book. 

The opinions of men cannot be substituted for God's 
revelation. It must not be forgotten that in times past, 
arrogant ignorance and pride, in attempting to steady 
the ark of Truth, have dimmed the power and glory of 
the Scriptures, to which this Christian Science text- 
book is the Key. 

That teacher does most for his students, who most 
divests himself of pride and self, spiritualizes his own 
thought, and by reason thereof is able to empty his 
student's mind, that it may be filled with Truth. 



QUESTIONS AKD ANSWERS. 93 

Beloved students, so teach that posterity shall call 
you blessed, and the heart of history shall be made 
glad! 

Can fear or sin bring back old beliefs of disease 
that have been healed by Christian Science? 

The Scriptures plainly declare the allness and one- 
ness of God, to be the premises of Truth, and that God 
is good: in Him dwelleth no evil. Christian Science 
authorizes the logical conclusion drawn from the Scrip- 
tures, that there is in reality none besides the eternal 
infinite God, Good. Evil is temporal: it is the illusion 
of time and mortality. 

This being true, sin has no power; and fear, its 
coeval, is without divine authority. Science sanctions 
only what is supported by the unerring Principle of 
Being. Sin can do nothing: all Cause and effect are 
in God. Fear is a belief of sensation in matter: this 
belief is neither maintained by Science nor supported 
by facts, and exists only as fable. Your answer is, that 
neither fear nor sin can bring on disease or bring back 
disease, since there is in reality no disease. 

Bear in mind, however, that human consciousness 
does not test sin and the fact of its nothingness, by 
believing that sin is pardoned without repentance and 
reformation. Sin punishes itself, because it cannot go 
unpunished either here or hereafter. Nothing is more 
fatal than to indulge a sinning sense or consciousness 
for even one moment. Knowing this, obey Christ's 
Sermon on the Mount, even if you suffer for it in the 
first instance, — are misjudged and maligned; in the 
second, you will reign with Him. 



94 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

I never knew a person who knowingly indulged evil, 
to be grateful; to understand me, or himself. He 
must first see himself and the hallucination of sin; then 
he must repent, and love Good in order to understand 
God. The sinner and the sin are the twain that are 
one flesh, — but which God hath not joined together. 



CHAPTER IV. 

CHRISTIAN. SCIENCE IN TREMONT TEMPLE. 

FROM the platform of the Monday lectureship in 
Tremont Temple, on Monday, March 16, 1885, 
as will be seen by what follows, Reverend Mary 
Baker G. Eddy was presented to Mr. Cook's audience, 
and allowed ten minutes in which to reply to his public 
letter condemning her doctrines; which reply was taken 
in full by a shorthand reporter who was present, and 
is transcribed below. 

Mrs. Eddy responding, said : " As the time so 
kindly allotted me is insufficient for even a synopsis of 
Christian Science, I shall confine myself to questions and 
answers. 

Am I a spiritualist? 

I am not, and never was. I understand the im- 
possibility of intercommunion between the so-called 
dead and living. There have always attended my life 
phenomena of an uncommon order, which spiritualists 
have miscalled mediumship; but I clearly understand 
that no human agencies were employed, — that the 
divine Mind reveals itself to humanity through spiritual 
law. And to such as are " waiting for the adoption, to 
wit: the redemption of the body," Christian Science 



96 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

reveals the infinitude of Divinity and the way of man's 
salvation from sickness and death, as wrought out by 
Jesus, — who robbed the grave of victory, and death 
of its sting. I understand that God is an ever-present 
help in all times of trouble, — have found him so; and 
would have no other gods, no remedies in drugs, no 
material medicine. 

Do I believe in a personal God? 

I believe in God as the Supreme Being. I know not 
what the person of Omnipotence and Omnipresence is, 
or what the Infinite includes; therefore, I worship that 
of which I can conceive, first, as a loving Father and 
Mother; then, as thought ascends the scale of Being 
to diviner consciousness, God becomes to me, as to the 
Apostle who declared it, "God is Love," — divine 
Principle, - — which I worship ; and " after the manner 
of my fathers, so worship I God." 

Do I believe in the atonement of Christ? 

I do; and this atonement becomes more to me since 
it includes man's redemption from sickness as well as 
from sin. I reverence and adore Christ as never before. 

It brings to my sense, and to the sense of all who 
entertain this understanding of the Science of God, a 
whole salvation. 

How is the healing done in Christian Science ? 

This answer includes too much to give you any con- 
clusive idea in a brief explanation. I can name some 
means by which it is not clone. 

It is not one mind acting upon another mind; it is 
not the transference of human images of thought to 
other minds; it is not supported by the evidence before 
the personal senses, — Science contradicts this evidence; 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN TREMONT TEMPLE. 97 

it is not of the flesh, but of the Spirit. It is Christ come 
to destroy the power of the flesh ; it is Truth over error ; 
that understood, gives man ability to rise above the 
evidence of the senses and take hold of the eternal 
evidences of Truth, and destroy mortal discord with 
immortal harmony, with the grand verities of being. 
It is not one mortal thought transmitted to another's 
thought from the human mind that holds within itself 
all evil. 

Our Master said of one of his students, "He is a devil/' 
and repudiated the idea of casting out devils through 
Beelzebub. Erring human mind is by no means a 
desirable or efficacious healer. Such suppositional heal- 
ing I deprecate. It is in no way allied to divine power. 
All human control is animal magnetism, more despicable 
than all other methods of treating disease. 

Christian Science is not a remedy of faith alone, but 
combines faith with understanding, through which we 
may touch the hem of His garment; and know that 
Omnipotence has all power. " I am the Lord, and there 
is none else, there is no God beside me." 

Is there a personal man? 

The Scriptures inform us that man was made in the 
image and likeness of God. I commend the Icelandic 
translation : " He created man in the image and likeness 
of Mind, in the image and likeness of Mind created 
He him." To my sense, we have not seen all of man; 
he is more than personal sense can cognize, who is the 
image and likeness of the Infinite. I have not seen a 
perfect man in mind or body, — and such must be the 
personality of him who is the true likeness: the lost 
image is not this personality, and personal man is this 

7 



98 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

lost image; hence, it dotli not appear what is the real 
personality of man. The only cause for making this 
question of personality a point, or of any importance, is, 
that man's perfect model should be held in mind, 
whereby to improve his present condition; that his con- 
templation regarding himself should turn away from 
inharmony, sickness, and sin, to that which is the image 
of his Maker. 

SCIENCE AND THE SENSES. 

Substance of my address at the National Convention in Chicago, 
June 13, 1888. 

The ^National Christian Scientist Association has 

brought us together to minister and to be ministered 

unto; to mutually aid one another in finding ways and 

means for helping the whole human family; to quicken 

and extend the interest already felt in a higher mode of 

medicine; to watch with eager joy the individual growth 

of Christian Scientists, and the progress of our common 

cause in Chicago, — the miracle of the Occident. We 

come to strengthen and perpetuate our organizations 

and institutions ; and to find strength in union, — 

strength to build up, through God's right hand, that 

pure and undefiled religion whose Science demonstrates 

God and the perfectibility of man. This purpose is 

immense, and it must begin with individual growth, a 

" consummation devoutly to be wished." The lives of 

all reformers attest the authenticity of their mission, 

and call the world to acknowledge its divine Principle. 

Truly is it written : — 

11 Thou must be true thyself, if thou the Truth would'st teach ; 
Thy heart must overflow, if thou another's heart would'st 
reach." 



ADDRESS IX CHICAGO. 99 

Science is absolute and final. It is revolutionary in 
its very nature; for it upsets all that is not upright. It 
annuls false evidence, and saith to the five material 
senses, " Having eyes ye see not, and ears ye hear not ; 
neither can you understand." To weave one thread of 
Science through the looms of time, is a miracle in 
itself. The risk is stupendous. It cost Galileo, what? 
This awful price: the temporary loss of his self-respect. 
His fear overcame his loyalty; the courage of his con- 
victions fell before it. Tear is the weapon in the hands 
of tyrants. 

Men and women of the nineteenth century, are you 
called to voice a higher order of Science? Then obey 
this call. Go, if you must, to the dungeon or the scaf- 
fold, but take not back the words of Truth. How many 
are there ready to suffer for a righteous cause, to stand 
a long siege, take the front rank, face the foe, and be 
in the battle every day? 

In no other one thing seemed Jesus of Nazareth more 
divine than in his faith in the immortality of his words. 
He said, " Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my 
words shall not pass away;" and they have not. The 
winds of time sweep clean the centuries, but they can 
never bear into oblivion his words. They still live, 
and to-morrow speak louder than to-day. They are to- 
day as the voice of one crying in the wilderness, " Make 
straight God's paths; make way for health, holiness, 
universal harmony, and come up hither." The gran- 
deur of the word, the power of Truth, is again casting 
out evils and healing the sick; and it is whispered, " This 
is Science." 

Jesus taught by the wayside, in humble homes. He 



100 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

spake of Truth and Love to artless listeners and dull 
disciples. His immortal words were articulated in a 
decaying language, and then left to tl^e providence of 
God. Christian Science was to interpret them; and 
woman, " last at the cross/' was to waken the dull senses, 
intoxicated with pleasure or pain, to the infinite mean- 
ing of those words. 

Past, present, future, will show the word and Spirit of 
Truth — healing the sick and reclaiming the sinner — 
so long as there remains a claim of error for Truth to 
deny or to destroy. Love's labors are not lost. The 
five personal senses, that grasp neither the meaning nor 
the magnitude of self-abnegation, may lose sight thereof ; 
but Science voices unselfish love, unfolds infinite Good, 
leads on irresistible forces, and will finally show the 
fruits of Love. Human reason is inaccurate; and the 
scope of the senses is inadequate to grasp the word of 
Truth, and teach the eternal. 

Science speaks when the senses are silent, and then 
the evermore of Truth is triumphant. The spiritual 
monitor understood is coincidence of the divine with 
the human, the acme of Christian Science. Pure hu- 
manity, friendship, home, the interchange of love, bring 
to earth a foretaste of Heaven. They unite terrestrial 
and celestial joys, and crown them with blessings infinite. 

The Christian Scientist loves man more because he 
loves God most. He understands this Principle, — 
Love. Who is sufficient for these things? Who re- 
members that patience, forgiveness, abiding faith, and 
affection, are the symptoms by which our Father in- 
dicates the different stages of man's recovery from sin 
and his entrance into Science? Who knows how the 



ADDRESS IN CHICAGO. 101 

feeble lips are made eloquent, how hearts are inspired, 
how healing becomes spontaneous, and how the divine 
Mind is understood and demonstrated \ He alone knows 
these wonders who is departing from the thraldom of 
the senses and accepting spiritual Truth, — that which 
blesses its adoption by the refinement of joy and the 
dismissal of sorrow. 

Christian Science and the senses are at war. It is a 
revolutionary struggle. We already have had two in 
this nation; and they began and ended in a contest for 
the true idea, for human liberty and rights. Now 
cometh a third struggle; for the freedom of health, 
holiness, and the attainment of Heaven. 

The scientific sense of Being which establishes har- 
mony, enters into no compromise with finiteness and 
feebleness. It undermines the foundations of mortality, 
of physical law, breaks their chains, and sets the captive 
free, opening the doors for them that are bound. 

He who turns to the body for evidence, bases his con- 
clusions on mortality, on imperfection ; but Science saith 
to man, " God hath all power." 

The Science of Omnipotence demonstrates but one 
power, and this power is good, not evil, not matter, — 
but Mind. This virtually destroys matter and evil, 
including sin and disease. 

If God is all, and God is good, it follows that all 
must be good; and no other power, law, or intelligence 
can exist. On this proof rest premise and conclusion in 
Science, and the facts that disprove the evidence of the 
senses. 

God is individual Mind. This one Mind and His 
individuality comprise the elements of all forms and 



102 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

individualities, and prophesy the nature and stature of 
Christ, the ideal man. 

A corporeal God, as often defined by lexicographers 
and scholastic theologians, is only an infinite finite being, 
an unlimited man, — a theory to me inconceivable. If 
the unlimited and immortal Mind could originate in a 
limited body, and eventually return to those limits, it 
would be forever limited. 

In this limited and lower sense God is not personal. 
His infinity precludes the possibility of corporeal per- 
sonality. His being is individual, but not physical. 

God is like Himself, and like nothing else. He is 
universal and primitive. His character admits of no 
degrees of comparison. God is not part, but the whole. 
In His individuality I recognize the loving, divine 
Father, Mother God. Infinite personality must be 
incorporeal. 

God's ways are not ours. His pity is expressed in 
modes above the human. His chastisements are the 
manifestations of Love. The sympathy of His eternal 
Mind is fully expressed in Divine Science, which blots 
out all our iniquities and heals all our diseases. Human 
pity often brings pain. 

Science supports harmony, denies suffering, and 
destroys it with the sympathy of Truth. Whatever 
seems material, seems thus only to the material senses, 
and is but the subjective state of mortal and material 
thought. 

Science has inaugurated the irrepressible conflict 
between sense and Soul. Mortal thought wars with this 
sense as one that beateth the air, but Science outmasters 
it, and ends the warfare. This proves daily that " one 
with God is a majority." 



ADDRESS IN CHICAGO. 103 

Science defines omnipresence as universality, that 
which precludes the presence of evil. This verity an- 
nuls the testimony of the senses, which say that sin is 
an evil power, and substance is perishable. Intelli- 
gent Spirit, Soul, is substance, far more impregnable 
and solid than matter; for one is temporal, while the 
other is eternal, the ultimate and predicate of Being. 

Mortality, materiality, and destructive forces, such 
as sin, disease, and death, mortals virtually name sub- 
stance; but these are the substance of things not hoped 
for. For lack of knowing what substance is, the senses 
say vaguely : " The substance of life is sorrow and 
mortality; for who knoweth the substance of good? " 
In Science, form and individuality are never lost, 
thoughts are outlined, individualized ideas, which dwell 
forever in the divine Mind, as tangible, true Substance, 
because eternally conscious. Unlike mortal mind, 
which must be ever in bondage, the eternal Mind is free, 
unlimited, and knows not the temporal. 

Neither does the temporal know the eternal. Mortal 
man, as mind or matter, is neither the pattern nor 
Maker of immortal man. Any inference of the divine 
derived from the human, either as mind or body, hides 
the actual power, presence, and individuality, of God. 

Jesus' personality in the flesh, so far as material sense 
could discern it, was like that of other men ; but Science 
exchanges this human concept of Jesus for the divine 
ideal, his spiritual individuality that reflected the Im- 
manuel, or " God with us." This God was not out- 
lined. He was too mighty for that. He was eternal 
Life, infinite Truth and Love. • The individuality is 
embraced in Mind, therefore is forever with the Father. 



104 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

Hence the scripture, "I am a God at hand, saith the 
Lord." Even while his personality was on earth and 
in anguish, his individual being, the Christ, was at 
rest in the eternal harmony. His unseen individuality, 
so superior to that which w r as seen, was not subject to 
the temptations of the flesh, to law T s material, to death, 
or the grave. Formed and governed by God, this 
individuality was safe in the Substance of Soul, the 
Substance of Spirit, — yea, the Substance of God, the 
one inclusive Good. 

In Science all being is individual; for individuality is 
endless in the calculus of forms and numbers. Herein 
sin is miraculous and supernatural; for it is not in the 
nature of God, and good is forever good. Accord- 
ing to Christian Science, perfection is normal, — not 
miraculous. Clothed, and in its right Mind, man's 
individuality is sinless, deathless, harmonious, eternal. 
His materiality, clad in a false mentality, wages feeble 
fight with his individuality, — his physical senses with 
his spiritual senses. The latter move in God's grooves 
of Science: the former revolve in their own orbits, and 
must stand the friction of false selfhood until self- 
destroyed. 

In obedience to the divine nature, man's individuality 
reflects the divine law 7 and order of Being. How shall 
we reach our true selves? Through Love. The Prin- 
ciple of Christian Science is Love, and its idea represents 
Love. This divine Principle and idea are demonstrated, 
in healing, to be God and the real man. 

Who wants to be mortal, or would not gain the true 
ideal of Life and recover his own individuality? I will 
love, if another hates. I will gain a balance on the 



ADDRESS IN CHICAGO. 105 

side of Good, my true Being. This alone gives me the 
forces of God wherewith to overcome all error. On 
this rests the implicit faith engendered by Christian 
Science, which appeals intelligently to the facts of 
man's spirituality, individuality, to disdain the fears and 
destroy the discords of his material personality. 

On our Master's individual demonstrations over sin, 
sickness, and death, rested the anathema of priesthood 
and the senses; yet this demonstration is the foundation 
of Christian Science. His physical sufferings, which 
came from the testimony of the senses, were over when 
he resumed his individual spiritual being, after show- 
ing us the way to escape from the material body. 

Science would have no conflict with Life or common- 
sense, if this sense were consistently sensible. Man's 
real Life or existence is in harmony with Life, and its 
glorious phenomena. It upholds being, and destroys 
the too common sense of its opposites — death, disease, 
and sin. Christian Science is an everlasting victor, and 
vanquishment is unknown to the omnipresent Truth. 
I must ever follow this line of light and battle. 

Christian Science is my only ideal; and the individual 
and his ideal can never be severed. If either is mis- 
understood or maligned, it eclipses the other with the 
shadow cast by this error. 

Truth destroys error. Nothing appears to the phys- 
ical senses but their own subjective state of thought. 
The senses join issue with error, and pity what has 
no right either to be pitied or to exist, and what does 
not exist in Science. Destroy the thought of sin, sick- 
ness, death, and you destroy their existence. " Whatso- 
ever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." 



106 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

Because God is Mind, and this Mind is Good, all 
is Good and all is Mind. God is the sum-total of the 
universe. Then what and where are sin, sickness, and 
death? 

Christian Science and Christian Scientists will, must, 

have a history; and if I could write the history in poor 

parody on Tennyson's grand verse, it would read 

thus : — 

Traitors to right of them, 
M.D.'s to left of them, 
Priestcraft in front of them, 

Volleyed and thundered ! 
Into the jaws of hate, 
Out through the door of Love, 
On to the blest above, 

March the one hundred. 



EXTRACT FROM MY FIRST ADDRESS IN THE 
MOTHER CHURCH, MAY 26, 1895. 

Feie^ds akd Beetheen: — 

Your Sunday Lesson, composed of Scripture and 
its correlative in " Science and Health with Key to 
the Scriptures," has fed you. In addition, I can only 
bring crumbs fallen from this table of Truth, and gather 
up the fragments. 

It has long been a question of earnest import, How 
shall mankind worship the most Adorable, but most 
unadored, — and where shall begin that praise that shall 
never end. Beneath, above, beyond, methinks I hear 
the soft, sweet sigh of angels answering, " So live, that 
your lives attest your sincerity, and resound His praise." 

Music is the harmony of Being ; but the music of Soul 
affords the only strains that thrill the chords of feeling, 



FIRST ADDRESS IN MOTHER CHURCH. 107 

and awaken the heart's harpstrings. Moved by mind, 
your many-throated organ, in imitative tones of many 
instruments, praises Him; but even the sweetness and 
beauty in and of this temple that praise Him, are earth's 
accents, and must not be mistaken for the oracles of 
God. Art must not prevail over Science. Christianity 
is not superfluous. Its redemptive power is seen in 
sore trials, self-denials, and crucifixions of the flesh. 
But these come to the rescue of mortals, to admonish 
them, and plant the feet steadfastly in Christ. As we 
rise above the seeming mists of sense, we behold more 
clearly that all the heart's homage belongs to God. 

More love is the great need of mankind. A pure 
affection concentric, forgetting self, forgiving wrongs 
and forestalling them, should swell the lyre of human 
love. 

Three cardinal points must be gained before poor 
humanity is regenerated, and Christian Science is 
demonstrated: (1) A proper sense of sin; (2) Re- 
pentance; (3) The understanding of Good. Evil is 
a negation: it never started with time, and it cannot 
keep pace with eternity. Mortals' false senses pass 
through three states and stages of human consciousness 
before yielding error. The deluded sense must first be 
shown its falsity through a knowledge of evil as evil, 
so-called. "Without a sense of one's oft-repeated vio- 
lations of Divine law, the individual may become mor- 
ally blind, and there ensues a mental state of moral 
idiocy. The lack of seeing one's deformed mentality, 
and of repentance therefor, deep, never to be repented 
of, is retarding, — and in certain morbid instances stop- 
ping, — the growth of Christian Scientists. "Without a 



108 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

knowledge of his sins, and repentance so severe that it 
destroys them ; no person is or can be a Christian Sci- 
entist. 

Mankind thinks either too much or too little of sin. 
The sensitive, sorrowing saint thinks too much of it : the 
sordid sinner, — or the so-called Christian asleep, — • 
thinks too little of sin. 

To allow sin of any sort is anomalous in Christian 
Scientists; claiming, as they do, that Good is infinite, 
All. Our Master, in his definition of Satan as a liar 
from the beginning, attested the absolute powerlessness 
— yea, nothingness — of evil : since a lie, being without 
foundation in fact, is merely a falsity, spiritually, liter- 
ally it is nothing. 

Not to know that a false claim is false, is to be in dan- 
ger of believing it; hence the utility of knowing evil 
aright, then reducing its claim to its proper denomi- 
nator, — nobody and nothing. Sin should be conceived 
of only as a delusion. This true conception would re- 
move mortals' ignorance and its consequences, and 
advance the second stage of human consciousness, 
Repentance. The first state, namely, the knowledge 
of one's self, the proper knowledge of evil and its 
subtle workings wherein evil seems as real as good, 
is indispensable; since that which is truly conceived of, 
we can handle; but the misconception of what we need 
to know of evil, — or the conception of it at all as some- 
thing real, — costs much. Sin needs only to be known 
for what it is not; then we are its master, not servant. 
Remember, and act on, Jesus' definition of sin as a lie. 
This cognomen makes it less dangerous; for most of us 
would not be seen believing in, or adhering to, that 



FIRST ADDRESS IN MOTHER CHURCH. 109 

which we know to be untrue. What would be thought 
of a Christian Scientist who believed in the use of drugs, 
while declaring that they have no intrinsic quality and 
that there is no matter? What should be thought of an 
individual believing in that which is untrue, and at 
the same time declaring the unity of Truth, and its 
Allness? Beware of those misrepresenting facts; or 
tacitly assenting where they should dissent; or taking 
me as authority for what I disapprove, or mayhap never 
had thought of, and trying to reverse, invert, or con- 
trovert, Truth; for this is a sure pretext of moral 
defilement. 

Examine yourselves and see what, and how much, 
sin claims of you; and how much of this claim you 
admit as valid, or comply with. The knowledge of evil 
that brings on Repentance is the most hopeful stage 
of mortal mentality. Even a mild mistake must be 
seen as a mistake, in order to be corrected; how much 
more, then, should one's sins be seen and repented of, 
before they can be reduced to their native nothingness! 

Ignorance is only blest by reason of its nothingness; 
for seeing the need of Somethingness in its stead 
blesses mortals. Ignorance was the first condition of 
sin in the allegory of Adam and Eve in the Garden of 
Eden. Their mental state is not desirable, neither is 
a knowledge of sin and its consequence, Repentance, per 
se; but admitting the existence of both, mortals must 
hasten through the second to the third stage, — the 
knowledge of Good; for without this, the valuable se- 
quence of knowledge would be lacking, — even the 
power to escape from the false claims of sin. To under- 
stand Good, one must discern the nothingness of evil, 
and consecrate one's life anew. 



110 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

Beloved brethren: Christ, Truth, saith unto you, "Be 
not afraid," — fear not sin, lest thereby it master you; 
but only fear to sin. Watch and pray for self-knowl- 
edge ; since then, and thus, cometh Kepentance, ■ — and 
your superiority to a delusion is won. 

Repentance is better than sacrifice. The costly balm 
of Araby, poured on our Master's feet, had not the value 
of a single tear. 

Beloved children : The world has need of you, — and 
more as children than as men and women : it needs your 
innocence, unselfishness, faithful affection, uncontami- 
nated lives. You need also to watch and pray that you 
preserve these virtues unstained, and lose them not 
through contact with the world. What grander am- 
bition is there than to maintain in yourselves what Jesus 
loved, and to know that your example, more than words, 
makes morals for mankind! 



ADDRESS BEFORE THE ALUMNI OF MASSACHUSETTS 
METAPHYSICAL COLLEGE, 1895. 

My Beloved Students : — 

Weeks have passed into months, and months into 
years, since last we met; but time arid space, when 
encompassed by divine Presence, do not separate us. 
Our hearts have kept time together, and our hands 
have wrought steadfastly at the same object-lesson, 
while leagues have lain between us. 

We may well unite in thanksgiving for the continued 
progress and unprecedented prosperity of our Cause. It 
is already obvious that the world's acceptance and the 
momentum of Christian Science, increase rapidly as 
years glide on. 



ASSOCIATION ADDRESS. Ill 

As Christian Scientists, you have dared the perilous 
defence of Truth, and have succeeded. You have 
learned how fleeting is that which men call great; and 
how permanent that which God calls good. 

You have proven that the greatest piety is scarcely 
sufficient to demonstrate what you have adopted and 
taught; that your work, well done, would dignify angels. 

Faithfully, as meekly, you have toiled all night; and 
at break of day caught much. At times, your 
net has been so full that it broke : human pride creep- 
ing into its meshes, extended it beyond safe expansion; 
then, losing hold of divine Love, you lost your fishes, 
and possibly, blamed others more than yourself. 
But those whom God makes " fishers of men " will not 
pull for the shore; like Peter, they launch into the 
depths, cast their nets on the right side, compensate loss, 
and gain a higher sense of the true idea. Nothing is lost 
that God gives: had He filled the net, it would not have 
broken. 

Leaving the seed of Truth to its own vitality, it propa- 
gates: the tares cannot hinder it. Our Master said, 
" Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall 
not pass away;" and Jesus' faith in Truth must not ex- 
ceed that of Christian Scientists who prove its power to 
be immortal. 

The Christianity that is merely of sects, the pulpit, 
and fashionable society, is brief; but the Word of God 
abideth. Plato was a pagan; but no greater difference 
existed between his doctrines and those of Jesus, than 
to-day exists between the Catholic and Protestant sects. 
I love the orthodox church; and, in time, that church 
will love Christian Science. Let me specially call the 



112 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

attention of this Association to the following false be- 
liefs inclining mortal mind more deviously: — 

The belief in Antichrist: that somebody in the 
flesh is the son of God, or is another Christ, or is 
a spiritually adopted child, or is an incarnated babe, 
is the evil one — in other words, the one evil — disport- 
ing itself with the subtleties of sin! 

Even honest thinkers, not knowing whence they 
come, may deem these delusions verities, before they 
know it, or really look the illusions in the face. The 
ages are burdened with material modes. Hypnotism, 
microbes, X-rays, and ex-common-sense, occupy time and 
thought; and error, given new opportunities, will im- 
prove them. The most just man can neither defend the 
innocent nor detect the guilty, unless he knows how to 
be just; and this knowledge demands our time and at- 
tention. 

The mental stages of crime, which seem to belong to 
the latter days, are strictly classified in metaphysics as 
some of the many features and forms of what is properly 
denominated, in extreme cases, moral idiocy. I visited 
in his cell the assassin of President Garfield, and found 
him in the mental state called moral idiocy. He had 
no sense of his crime; but regarded his act as one of 
simple justice, and himself as the victim. My few 
words touched him; he sank back in his chair, limp, and 
pale; his flippancy had fled. The jailor thanked me, 
and said, " Other visitors have brought to him bouquets, 
but you have brought what will do him good." 

This mental disease at first shows itself in extreme 
sensitiveness; then, in a loss of self-knowledge and of 
self-condemnation, — a shocking inability to see one's 



ASSOCIATION ADDRESS. 113 

own faults, but an exaggerating sense of other people's. 
Unless this mental condition be overcome, it ends in a 
total loss of moral, intellectual, and spiritual discern- 
ment, and is characterized in this scripture : " The fool 
hath said in his heart, There is no God." This state 
of mind is the exemplification of total depravity, and 
the result of sensuous mind in matter. Mind that is 
God is not in matter; and God's presence gives spiritual 
light wherein is no darkness. 

If, as is indisputably true, u God is Spirit," and Spirit 
is our Father and Mother, and that which it includes is 
all that is real and eternal, when evil predominates the 
divine light is obscured; free moral agency is lost; 
and the Revelator's vision that " no man might buy or 
sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, 
or the number of his name," is imminent. 

"Whoever is mentally manipulating human mind, and 
is not gaining a higher sense of Truth by it, is losing in 
the scale of moral and spiritual Being, and may be car- 
ried to the depths of perdition by his own consent. He 
who refuses to be influenced by any but the divine 
Mind, commits his way to God, and rises superior to 
suggestions from an evil source. Christian Science 
shows that there is a way of escape from the latter-day 
ultimatum of evil, through Scientific Truth; so that all 
are without excuse. 

Already I clearly recognize that mental malpractice, 

if persisted in, will end in insanity, dementia^ or moral 

idiocy. Thank God! this evil can be resisted by true 

Christianity. Divine Love is our hope, strength, and 

shield. "We have nothing to fear when Love is at the 

helm of thought, but everything to enjoy on earth 

and in Heaven. 

8 



114: MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

The systematized centres of Christian Science are 
life-giving fountains of truth. Our Churches, the 
" Christian Science Journal/' and the " Christian Science 
Quarterly/"' are prolific sources of spiritual power whose 
intellectual, moral, and spiritual animus is felt through- 
out the land. Our Publishing Society, and our Sun- 
day Lessons, are of inestimable value to all seekers after 
Truth. The Committee on Sunday-school Lessons can- 
not give too much time and attention to their task, and 
should spare no research in the preparation of the 
" Quarterly " as an educational branch. 

The teachers of Christian Science need to watch inces- 
santly the trend of their own thoughts; watch that these 
be not secretly robbed, and themselves misguided, and 
so made to misteach others. Teachers must conform 
strictly to the rules of Divine Science announced in the 
Bible and their text-book, "Science and Health with Key 
to the Scriptures." They must themselves practise, and 
teach others to practise, the Hebrew Decalogue, the Ser- 
mon on the Mount, and the understanding and enuncia- 
tion of these according to Christian Science. 

They must always have on armor, and resist the foe 
within and without. They cannot arm too thoroughly 
against original sin, appearing in its myriad forms: pas- 
sion, appetites, hatred, revenge, and all the et cetera of 
evil. Christian Scientists cannot watch too sedulously, 
or bar their doors too closely, or pray to God too fer- 
vently, for deliverance from the claims of evil. Thus 
doing, Scientists will silence evil suggestions, uncover 
their methods, and stop their hidden influence upon the 
lives of mortals. Rest assured that God in his wisdom 
will test all mankind on all questions; and then, if found 



ASSOCIATION ADDRESS. 115 

faithful, He will deliver us from temptation, and show 
us the powerlessness of evil, — even its utter nothing- 
ness. 

The teacher in Christian Science who does not spe- 
cially instruct his pupils how to guard against evil and 
its silent modes, and to be able, through Christ, the 
living Truth, to protect themselves thereform, is com- 
mitting an offence against God and humanity. "With 
" Science and Health " for their text-book, I am as- 
tounded at the apathy of some students on the subject of 
sin and mental malpractice, and their culpable igno- 
rance of the workings of these — and even the teacher's 
own deficiency in this department. I can account for 
this state of mind in the teacher only as the result of 
sin ; otherwise, his own guilt as a mental malpractitioner, 
and fear of being found out. 

The helpless ignorance of the community on this 
subject is pitiable, and plain to be seen. May God 
enable my students to take up the cross as I have 
done, and meet the pressing need of a proper prepara- 
tion of heart to practise, teach, and live Christian 
Science! Your means of protection and defence from 
sin are, constant watchfulness and prayer that you 
enter not into temptation and are delivered from every 
claim of evil, till you intelligently know and demon- 
strate, in Science, that evil has neither prestige, power, 
nor existence, since God, Good, is All-in-all. 

The increasing necessity for relying on God to de- 
fend us against the subtler forms of evil, turns us more 
unreservedly to Him for help, and thus becomes a means 
of grace. If one lives rightly, every effort to hurt one 
will only help that one; for God will give the ability to 



116 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

overcome whatever tends to impede progress. Know 
this: that you cannot overcome the baneful effects 
of Sin on yourself, if you in any way indulge in sin : for 
sooner or later, you will fall the victim of your own 
as well as of others' sins. Using mental power in the 
right direction only, doing to others as you would have 
them do to you, will overcome evil with Good, and 
destroy your own sensitiveness to the power of evil. 

The God of all grace be with you, and save you from 
"spiritual wickedness in high places/' 

Pleasant View, Concord, N. H., 
June 3, 1895. 

ADDRESS BEFORE THE CHRISTIAN SCIENTIST ASSO- 
CIATION OF THE MASSACHUSETTS METAPHYSICAL 
COLLEGE, IN 1893. 

Subject: Obedience. 

My Beloved Students: This question, ever nearest 
to my heart, is to-day uppermost: Are we filling the 
measures of life's music aright, emphasizing its grand 
strains, swelling the harmony of Being with tones 
whence come glad echoes? As crescendo and diminu- 
endo accent music, so the varied strains of human 
chords express life's loss or gain, — loss of the pleasures 
and pains and pride of life: gain of its sweet concord, 
the courage of honest convictions, and final obedience 
to spiritual law. The ultimate of scientific research 
and attainment in Divine Science is not an argument: 
it is not merely saying, but doing, the Word — dem- 
onstrating Truth — even as the fruits of watchfulness, 
prayer, struggles, tears, and triumph. 

Obeying the divine Principle which you profess to 



OBEDIENCE. 117 

understand and love, demonstrates Truth. Never ab- 
sent from your post, never off guard, never ill-humored, 
never unready to work for God, — is obedience ; be- 
ing " faithful over a few things." If in one instance 
obedience be lacking, you lose the scientific rule and 
its reward : namely, to be made " ruler over many 
things." A progressive life is the reality of life that 
unfolds its immortal Principle. 

The student of Christian Science must first sepa- 
rate the tares from the wheat; ^discern between the 
thought, motive, and act superinduced by the wrong 
motive or the true — the God-given intent and voli- 
tion — arrest the former, and obey the latter. This 
will place him on the safe side of practice. We always 
know where to look for the real Scientist, and always 
find him there. I agree with Rev. Dr. Talmage, that 
" there are wit, humor, and enduring vivacity, among 
God's people." 

Obedience is the offspring of Love; and Love is 
the Principle of unity, the basis of all right think- 
ing and acting; it fulfils the law. TTe see eye to eye 
and know as we are known, reciprocate kindness and 
work wisely, in proportion as we love. 

It is difficult for me to carry out a Divine commis- 
sion while participating in the movements, or modus 
operandi, of other folks. To point out every step to 
a student and then watch that each step be taken, 
consumes time, — and experiments ofttimes are costly. 
According to my calendar, God's time and mortals', 
differ. The neophyte is inclined to be too fast or too 
slow: he works somewhat in* the dark; and, sometimes 
out of season, he would replenish his lamp at the mid- 



118 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

night hour and borrow oil of the more provident 
watcher. God is the fountain of light, and He illu- 
mines one's way when one is obedient. The disobedi- 
ent make their moves before God makes His, or make 
them too late to follow Him. Be sure that God directs 
your way; then, hasten to follow under every circum- 
stance. 

Human will must be subjugated. We cannot obey 
both God, Good, and evil, — in other words, the ma- 
terial senses, false suggestions, self-will, selfish motives, 
and human policy. We can have no faith in evil if 
faith would find a resting place, and scientific under- 
standing guide man. Honesty in every condition, under 
every circumstance, is the indispensable rule of obedi- 
ence. To obey the principle of mathematics ninety-nine 
times in one hundred and then allow one numeral to 
make incorrect your entire problem, is neither Science 
nor obedience. 

However keenly the human affections yearn to for- 
give a mistake, and pass a friend over it smoothly, one's 
sympathy can neither atone for error, advance in- 
dividual growth, nor change this immutable decree of 
Love : " Keep my commandments." The guerdon of 
meritorious faith or trustworthiness, rests on being will- 
ing to work alone w T ith God and for Him, — willing to 
suffer patiently for error until all error is destroyed, 
and His rod and His staff comfort you. 

Self-ignorance, self-will, self-righteousness, lust, covet- 
ousness, envy, revenge, are foes to grace, peace, and 
progress ; they must be met manfully and overcome, 
or they will uproot all happiness. Be of good cheer; 
the warfare with one's self is grand ; it gives one plenty 



OBEDIENCE. 119 

of employment, and the divine Principle worketh with 
you, — and obedience crowns persistent effort with 
everlasting victory. Every attempt of evil to harm 
Good is futile, and ends in the fiery punishment of the 
evil-doer. 

Jesus said, " Not that which goeth into the mouth 
defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the 
mouth, this defileth a man." If malicious suggestions 
whisper evil through the mind's tympanum, this were 
no apology for acting evilly. We are responsible for 
our thoughts and acts; and instead of aiding other 
people's devices by obeying them, — and then whining 
over misfortune, — rise and overthrow both. If a crim- 
inal coax the unwary man to commit a crime, our laws 
punish the dupe as accessory to the fact. Each in- 
dividual is responsible for himself. 

Evil is impotent to turn the righteous man from his 
uprightness. The nature of the individual, more stub- 
born than the circumstance, will always be found 
arguing for itself, : — its habits, tastes, and indul- 
gences. This material nature strives to tip the beam 
against the spiritual nature; for the flesh strives against 
Spirit, — against whatever or whoever opposes evil, — 
and weighs mightily in the scale against man's high 
destiny. This conclusion is not an argument either for 
pessimism or for optimism, but is a plea for free moral 
agency, — full exemption from all necessity to obey a 
power that should be and is found powerless in Chris- 
tian Science. 

Insubordination to the law of Love even in the least, 
or strict obedience thereto, tests and discriminates be- 
tween the real and the unreal Scientist. Justice, a 



120 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

prominent statute in the Divine law, demands of all 
trespassers upon the sparse individual rights which one 
justly reserves to one's self, — Would you consent that 
others should tear up your landmarks, manipulate your 
students, nullify or reverse your rules, countermand 
your orders, steal your possessions, and escape the 
penalty therefor % ~No ! " Therefore, all things what- 
soever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even 
so to them." The professors of Christian Science must 
take off their shoes at our altars; they must unclasp 
the material sense of things at the very threshold of 
Christian Science: they must obey implicitly each and 
every injunction of the divine Principle of life's long 
problem, or repeat their work in tears. In the words 
of St. Paul, "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield 
yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom 
ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience 
unto righteousness? " 

Beloved students, loyal laborers are ye that have 
wrought valiantly, and achieved great guerdons in the 
vineyard of our Lord ; — but a mighty victory is yet to 
be won, a great freedom for the race; and Christian 
success is under arms, — with armor on, not laid down. 
Let us rejoice, however, that the clarion-call of peace 
will at length be heard above the din of battle, and 
come more sweetly to our ear than sound of vintage 
bells to villagers on the Khine. 

I recommend that this Association hereafter meet, 
triennially: many of its members reside a long distance 
from Massachusetts, and they are members of the 
Mother Church who would love to be with you on Sun- 
day, and once in three years is perhaps as often as they 
can afford to be away from their own fields of labor. 



COMMUNION ADDRESS. 121 



COMMUNION ADDRESS, JANUARY, 1896. 

Friends and Brethren : — 

The biblical record of the great Nazarene, whose 
character we to-clay commemorate, is scanty; but 
what is given, puts to flight every doubt as to the 
immortality of His words and works. Though writ- 
ten in a decaying language, His words can never 
pass away: they are inscribed upon the hearts of men: 
they are engraved upon eternity's tablets. 

Undoubtedly our Master partook of the Jews' Feast 
of the Passover, and drank from their festal wine-cup. 
This, however, is not the cup to which I call your at- 
tention, — even the cup of martyrdom : wherein Spirit 
and matter, Good and evil, seem to grapple, and the 
human struggles against the Divine, up to a point of 
discovery; namely, the impotence of evil, and the om- 
nipotence of Good, as divinely attested. Anciently, the 
blood of martyrs was believed to be the seed of the 
church. Stalled theocracy would make this fatal doc- 
trine just and sovereign, even a divine decree, a law of 
Love! That the innocent shall suffer for the guilty, is 
inhuman. The prophet declared, " Thou shalt put away 
the guilt of innocent blood from Israel." This is plain: 
that whatever belittles, befogs, or belies the nature and 
essence of Deity, is not Divine. Who, then, shall 
father or favor this sentence passed upon innocence? 
thereby giving the signet of God to the arrest, trial, and 
crucifixion of His beloved Son, the righteous Nazarene, 
— christened by John the Baptist, " the Lamb of God." 

Oh! shameless insult to divine royalty, that drew 
from the great Master this answer to the questions of the 



122 MISCELLANEOUS WEITINGS. 

rabbinical rabble : " If I tell you, ye will not believe me ; 
and if I ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go." 

Infinitely greater than human pity, is divine Love, — ■ 
that cannot be unmerciful. Human tribunals, if just, 
borrow their sense of justice from the Divine Princi- 
ple thereof, which punishes the guilty, not the innocent. 
The Teacher of both law and gospel, construed the sub- 
stitution of a good man to suffer for evil-doers — a 
crime ! When foretelling his own crucifixion, he said, 
" Woe unto the world because of offences ! for it must 
needs be that offences come ; but woe to that man by 
whom the offence cometh ! " 

Would Jesus thus have spoken of what was indispen- 
sable for the salvation of a world of sinners, or of the 
individual instrument in this holy (?) alliance for 
accomplishing such a monstrous work? or have said of 
him whom God foreordained and predestined to fulfil 
a divine decree, " It were better for him that a millstone 
were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned 
in the depth of the sea " ? 

The divine order is the acme of mercy: it is neither 
questionable nor assailable : it is not evil producing good, 
nor good ultimating in evil. Such an inference were 
impious. Holy Writ denounces him that declares, " Let 
us do evil that good may come! whose damnation is 
just." 

Good is not educed from its opposite: and Love divine 
spurned, lessens not the hater's hatred nor the criminal's 
crime; nor reconciles justice to injustice; nor substitutes 
the suffering of the God-like, for the suffering due to 
sin. Neither spiritual bankruptcy nor a religious 
chancery can win high heaven, or the " Well done, good 



COMMUNION ADDRESS. 123 

and faithful servant . . . enter thou into the joy of 
thy Lord." 

Divine Love knows no hate; for hate, or the hater, is 
nothing: God never made it, and He made all that was 
made. The hater's pleasures are unreal; his sufferings, 
self-imposed ; his existence is a parody, and he ends, — 
with suicide. 

The murder of the just Nazarite was incited by the 
same spirit that in our time massacres our missionaries, 
butchers the helpless Armenians, slaughters innocents. 
Evil was, and is, the illusion of breaking the first 
Commandment, " Thou shalt have no other gods before 
me:" it is either idolizing something and somebody, or 
hating them: it is the spirit of idolatry, envy, jealousy, 
covetousness, superstition, lust, hypocrisy, witchcraft. 

That man can break the forever-law of Infinite Love, 
was, and is, the serpent's biggest lie! and ultimates in 
a religion of pagan priests bloated with crime ; a religion 
that demands human victims to be sacrificed to human 
passions and human gods, or tortured to appease the 
anger of a so-called god, or a mis-called man or woman! 
The Assyrian Merodach, or the god of sin, was the 
"lucky god;" and the Babylonian Yawa, or Jehovah, 
was the Jewish tribal deity. The Christian's God is 
neither, and is " too pure to behold iniquity." 

Divine Science has rolled away the stone from the 
sepulchre of our Lord; and there has risen to the 
awakened thought, the majestic atonement of Divine 
Love. The at-one-ment with Christ has appeared — not 
through vicarious suffering, whereby the just obtain a 
pardon for the unjust, — but through the eternal law of 
Justice; wherein sinners suffer for their own sins, re- 



124 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

pent, forsake sin, love God, and keep His command- 
ments, thence to receive the reward of righteousness: 
salvation from sin, not through the death of a man, but 
through a Divine Life, which is our Redeemer. 

Holy "Writ declares that God is Love, is Spirit ; hence 
it follows that those who worship Him, must worship 
Him spiritually, — far apart from physical sensation 
such as attends eating and drinking corporeally. It is 
plain that aught unspiritual intervening between God 
and man, would tend to disturb the Divine order, and 
countermand the Scripture, that those who worship the 
Father must worship Him in spirit. It is also plain, 
that we should not seek and cannot find God in mat- 
ter, or through material methods; neither do we love 
and obey Him by means of matter, or the flesh, — which 
warreth against Spirit, and will not be reconciled 
thereto. 

We turn, with sickened sense, from a pagan Jew's 
or Moslem's misconception of Deity, for peace; and 
find rest in the spiritual ideal, or Christ. For " Wlio 
is so great a God as our God! " unchangeable, all-wise, 
all- just, all-merciful; the ever-loving, ever-living Life, 
Truth, Love: comforting such as mourn, opening the 
prison doors to the captive, marking the unwinged bird, 
pitying with more than a father's pity; healing the sick, 
cleansing the leper, raising the dead, saving sinners. 
As we think thereon, man's true sense is filled with 
peace, and power; and we say, It is well! that Christian 
Science has taken expressive silence wherein to muse 
His praise, to kiss the feet of Jesus, adore the white 
Christ, and stretch out our arms to God. 

The last act of the tragedy on Calvary rent the veil 



COMMUNION ADDRESS. 125 

of matter, and unveiled Love's great legacy to mortals: 
Love forgiving its enemies. This grand act crowned 
and still crowns Christianity: it manumits mortals: it 
translates love: it gives to suffering, inspiration; to 
patience, experience ; to experience, hope ; to hope, faith ; 
to faith, understanding; and to understanding, Love tri- 
umphant ! 

In proportion to a man's spiritual progress, he will 
indeed drink of our Master's cup, and be baptized with 
his baptism! be purified as by fire, the fires of suffering; 
then hath he part in Love's atonement, for " whom the 
Lord loveth he chasteneth." Then shall he also reign 
with Him: he shall rise to know that there is no sin, 
that there is no suffering; since all that is real is right. 
This knowledge enables him to overcome the world, the 
flesh, and all evil, to have dominion over his own sinful 
sense and self. Then shall he drink anew Christ's cup, 
in the kingdom of God — the reign of righteousness — 
within him ; he shall sit down at the Father's right hand : 
sit dozen; not stand waiting and weary; but rest on the 
bosom of God ; rest, in the understanding of Divine Love 
that passeth all understanding ; rest, in that which " to 
know aright, is Life eternal," and whom, not having 
seen, we love. 

Then shall he press on to Life's long lesson, the 
eternal lore of Love ; and learn forever the infinite mean- 
ings of these short sentences: "God is Love;" and, All 
that is real is Divine, for God is All-in-all. 



126 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

MESSAGE TO THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE 
MOTHER CHURCH, BOSTON, 1896. 

Beloved Brethren, Children, and Grandchil- 
dren : — 

Apart from the common walks of mankind, revolving 
oft the hitherto untouched problems of Being, and 
oftener, perhaps, the controversies which baffle it, 
Mother, thought-tired, turns to-day to you; turns to 
her dear church, to tell the towers thereof, the remark- 
able achievements that have been ours within the 
past few years : the rapid transit from halls to churches, 
from unsettled questions to permanence, from danger 
to escape, from fragmentary discourses to one eternal 
sermon; yea, from darkness to daylight, in physics and 
metaphysics. 

Truly, I half wish for society again; for once, at 
least, to hear the soft music of our Sabbath chimes 
saluting the ear in tones that leap for joy, with love 
for God and man. 

Who hath not learned (that when alone, he has his 
own thoughts to guard, and when struggling with man- 
kind, his temper, and in society, his tongue? "We also 
have gained higher heights; have learned that trials 
lift us to that dignity of Soul which sustains us, and 
finally conquers them; and that the ordeal refines, while 
it chastens. 

Perhaps our Church is not yet quite sensible of what 
we owe to the strength, meekness, honesty, and obedi- 
ence of the Christian Science Board of Directors; to 
the able editors of the " Christian Science Journal," and 
to our efficient Publishing Society. 



MESSAGE TO THE MOTHER CHURCH. 127 

No reproof is so potent as the silent lesson of a good 
example. Works, more than words, should character- 
ize Christian Scientists. Most people condemn evil- 
doing, evil-speaking; yet, nothing circulates so rapidly: 
even gold is less current. Christian Scientists have a 
strong race to run, and foes in ambush; but bear in 
mind that, in the long race, honesty always defeats dis- 
honesty. 

God hath indeed smiled on my church, — this 
daughter of Zion: she sitteth in high places; and to 
deride her is to incur the penalty of which the Hebrew 
bard spake after this manner : " He that sitteth in the 
heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall have them in 
derision." 

Hitherto, I have observed that in proportion as this 
church has smiled on His " little ones," He has blessed 
her. Throughout my entire connection with the Mother 
Church, I have seen, that in the ratio of her love for 
others, hath His love been bestowed upon her; watering 
her waste places, and enlarging her borders. 

One thing I have greatly desired, and again earnestly 
request, namely: that Christian Scientists here, and 
elsewhere, pray daily for themselves; not verbally, nor 
on bended knee, but mentally, meekly, and impor- 
tunately. When a hungry heart petitions the divine 
Father-Mother God for bread, it is not given a stone, — 
but more grace, obedience, and love. If this heart, 
humble and trustful, faithfully asks divine Love to feed 
it with the Bread of Heaven, health, holiness, it will 
be conformed to a fitness to receive the answer to its 
desire; then will flow into it the ' river of His pleasure," 
the tributary of divine Love, and great growth in Chris- 



128 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

tian Science will follow, — even that joy which finds 
one's own in another's good. 

To love, and to be loved, one mnst do good to others. 
The inevitable condition whereby to become blessed, 
is to bless others: but here, you must so know yourself, 
under God's direction, that you will do His will even 
though your pearls be down-trodden. Ofttimes the rod 
is His means of grace ; then it must be ours, — we can- 
not avoid wielding it if we reflect Him. 

Wise sayings and garrulous talk may fall to the 
ground, rather than on the ear or heart of the hearer; 
but a tender sentiment felt, or a kind word spoken, at 
the right moment, is never wasted. Mortal mind pre- 
sents phases of character which need close attention and 
examination. The human heart, like a feather bed, 
needs often to be stirred, sometimes roughly, and given 
a variety of turns, else it grows hard and uncomfortable 
whereon to repose. 

The lessons of this so-called life in matter are too vast 
and varied to learn or to teach briefly; and especially 
within the limits of a letter. Therefore I close here, 
with the apostle's injunction: "Finally, brethren, what- 
soever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, 
whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, 
whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of 
good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any 
praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye 
have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen 
in me, do; and the God of peace shall be with you." 
With love, Mother, 

Mary Baker G. Eddy. 



M 



CHAPTER V. 

LETTERS. 
TO THE MOTHER CHURCH, 

Y Beloved Brethren : If a member of the 
church is inclined to be uncharitable, or to 
condemn his brother without cause, let him put 
his finger to his lips, and forgive others as he would be 
forgiven. One's first lesson is to learn one's self ; hav- 
ing 1 done this, one will naturally, through grace from 
God, forgive his brother and love his enemies. To 
avenge an imaginary or an actual wrong, is suicidal. 
The law of our God, and the rule of our church, is, to 
tell thy brother his fault and thereby help him. If this 
rule fails in effect, then, take the next scriptural step : 
drop this member's name from the church, and there- 
after " let the dead bury the dead," — let silence pre- 
vail over his remains. 

If a man is jealous, envious, or revengeful, he will 
seek occasion to balloon an atom of another man's indis- 
cretion, inflate it, and send it into the atmosphere of 
mortal mind — for other green eyes to gaze on : he will 
always find somebody in his way, and try to push him 
aside ; will see somebody's faults to magnify under the 
lens that he never turns on himself. 



130 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

What have been your Leader's precepts and example ? 
Were they to save the sinner, and to spare his exposure 
so long as a hope remained of thereby benefiting him ? 
Has her life exemplified long-suffering, meekness, charity, 
purity ? 

She readily leaves the answer to those who know 
her. 

Do we yet understand how much better it is to be 
wronged, than to commit wrong ? What do we find in 
the Bible, and in the Christian Science text-book, on 
this subject? Does not the latter instruct you that 
looking continually for a fault in somebody else, talking 
about it, thinking it over, and how to meet it, — " rolling 
sin as a sweet morsel under your tongue," — has the 
same power to make you a sinner that acting thus re- 
garding disease has to make a man sick ? Note the 
Scripture on this subject : " Vengeance is mine ; I will 
repay, saith the Lord." 

The Christian Science Board of Directors have borne 
the burden in the heat of the day, and it ought not to 
be expected that they could have accomplished, without 
one single mistake, such Herculean tasks as they have 
accomplished. He who judges others should know well 
whereof he speaks. Where the motive to do right 
exists, and the majority of one's acts are right, we 
should avoid referring to past mistakes. The greatest 
sin that one can commit against himself, is to wrong 
one of God's " little ones." 

Know ye not that he who exercises the largest charity, 
and waits on God, renews his strength, and is exalted? 
Love is not puffed up ; and the meek and loving, God 
anoints and appoints to lead the line of mankind's 



LETTERS. 131 

triumphal march out of the wilderness, out of darkness 
into Light. 

Whoever challenges the errors of others and cherishes 
his own, can neither help himself nor others ; he will be 
called a moral nuisance, a fungus, a microbe, a mouse 
gnawing at the vitals of humanity. The darkness in 
one's self must first be cast out, in order rightly to 
discern darkness or to reflect Light. 

If the man of more than average avoirdupois kneels 
on a stool in church, let the leaner sort console this 
brother's necessity by doing likewise. Christian Sci- 
entists preserve unity, and so shadow forth the sub- 
stance of our sublime faith, and the evidence of its 
being built upon the Rock of Divine Oneness, — one 
faith, one God, one baptism. 

If our Board of Directors is prepared to itemize a 
report of the first financial year since the erection of 
the edifice of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, 
let it do so ; otherwise, I recommend that you waive 
the church by-law relating to finances this year of .your 
first-fruits. This Board did not act under the by-law ; 
it was not in existence all of the year. It is but just to 
consider the great struggles with perplexities and diffi- 
culties which the Directors encountered in Anno Dom- 
ini 1894, and which they have overcome. May God 
give unto us all that loving sense of gratitude which 
delights in the opportunity to cancel accounts. I, for 
one, would be pleased to have the Christian Science 
Board of Directors itemize a bill of this church's gifts 
to Mother ; and then to have them let her state the 
value thereof, if, indeed, it could be estimated. 

After this financial year, when you call on the mem* 



132 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

bers of the Christian Science Board of Directors to 
itemize or audit their accounts, these will be found 
already itemized, and last year's records immortal- 
ized, with perils past, and victories won. 

A motion was made, and a vote passed, at your last 
meeting, on a subject the substance whereof you had 
already accepted as a by-law. But, I shall take this 
as a favorable omen, a fair token that heavy lids are 
opening, even wider than before, to the light of love — 
and by-laws. 

Affectionately yours, 

Mary Baker Eddy. 



TO , ON PRAYER. 

Massachusetts Metaphysical College, 
571 Columbus Avenue, 

Boston, March 21, 1885. 

Dear Sir: In your communication to " Zion's Herald," 
March 18th, under the heading, " Prayer and Healing ; 
supplemental," you state that you would " like to hear 
from Dr. Cullis ; and, by the way, from Mrs. Eddy, also." 

Because of the great demand upon my time, consist- 
ing in part, of dictating answers through my secretary, 
or answering personally manifold letters and inquiries 
from all quarters, — having charge of a church, editing 
a magazine, teaching Christian Science, receiving calls, 
etc., — I find it inconvenient to accept your invitation 
to answer you through the medium of a newspaper ; but, 
for information as to what I believe and teach, would 
refer you to the Holy Scriptures, to my various publi- 
cations, and to my Christian students. 



LETTERS. 133 

It was with a thrill of pleasure that I read in your 
article these words : " If we have in any way misrepre- 
sented either Dr. Cullis or Mrs. Eddy, we are sorry." 
Even the desire to be just is a vital spark of Chris- 
tianity. And those words inspire me with the hope 
that you wish to be just. If this is so, you will not 
delay corrections of the statement you make at the close 
of your article, when referring to me, " the pantheistic 
and prayerless Mrs. Eddy, of Boston." 

It would be difficult to build a sentence of so few 
words conveying ideas more opposite to the fact. 

In refutation of your statement that I am a pantheist, 
I request you to read my sermons and publications. 

As to being " prayerless," I call your attention and 
deep consideration to the following scripture, that voices 
my impressions of prayer : — 

" When thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites 
are ; for they love to pray, standing in the synagogues 
and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen 
of men. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy 
closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy 
Father which is in secret ; and thy Father which is in 
secret shall reward thee openly." 

I hope I am not wrong in literally following the dic- 
tum of Jesus ; and, were it not because of my desire to 
set you right on this question, I should feel a delicacy in 
making the following statement : 

Three times a day, I retire to seek the divine blessing 
on the sick and sorrowing, with my face toward the 
Jerusalem of Love and Truth, in silent prayer to u the 
Father who seeth in secret," and with child-like confi- 
dence that he will "reward openly." In the midst of 



134 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

depressing care and labor I turn constantly to Divine 
Love for guidance, and find rest. It affords me great 
joy to be able to attest to the truth of Jesus' words. 
Love makes all burdens light, it giveth a peace that 
passeth understanding, and with "signs following;" 
As to the peace, it is unutterable ; as to " signs," behold 
the sick who are healed, the sorrowful who are made 
hopeful, and the sinful and ignorant, who have become 
" wise unto salvation " ! 

And now, dear sir, as you have expressed contrition 
for an act which you have immediately repeated, you are 
placed in this dilemma : To reiterate such words of 
apology as characterize justice and Christianity. 

"Very truly, 

Mary Baker G. Eddy. 



TO THE NATIONAL CHRISTIAN SCIENTIST ASSOCIATION. 

Beloved Students : Meet together and meet en masse, 
in 1888, at the annual session of the National Chris- 
tian Scientist Association. Be " of one mind, in one 
place," and God will pour you out a blessing such as you 
never before received. He who dwelleth in eternal light 
is bigger than the shadow, and will guard and guide 
His own. 

Let no consideration bend or outweigh your purpose 
to be in Chicago on June 13. Firm in your allegiance 
to the reign of universal harmony, go to its rescue. In 
God's hour, the powers of earth and hell are proven 
powerless. The reeling ranks of materia medica, with 
poisons, nostrums, and knives, are impotent when at 



LETTERS. 135 

war with the Omnipotent ! Like Elijah, look up, and 
behold ; " they that be for us, are more than they that 
be against us." 

Error is only fermenting, and its heat hissing at the 
" still, small voice of Truth ; " but it can neither silence 
nor disarm God's voice. Spiritual wickedness is stand- 
ing in high places ; but, blind to its own fate, it will 
tumble into bottomlessness. 

Christians, and all true Scientists, marching under 
whatsoever ensign, come into the ranks ! Again, I 
repeat : p erson is not in the question of Christian 
Science. Principle, instead of person, is next to our 
hearts, on our lips, and in our lives. Our watchwords 
are Truth and Love ; and if we abide in these, they will 
abound in us, and we shall be one in heart, — one in 
motive, purpose, pursuit. Abiding in Love, not one of 
you can be separated from me ; and the sweet sense of 
journeying on together, " doing unto others as ye would 
they should do unto you," conquers all opposition, sur- 
mounts all obstacles, and secures success. If you falter, 
or fail to fulfil this Golden Rule, though you should 
build to the heavens, you would build on sand. 

Is it a cross to give one week's time and expense to 
the Jubilee of Spirit? Then take this cross, and the 
crown with it. Sending forth currents of Truth, God's 
methods and means of healing, and so spreading the 
Gospel of Love, is in itself an eternity of joy that out- 
weighs an hour. Add one more noble offering to the 
unity of Good, and so cement the bonds of Love. 

With love, 

Mary Baker Eddy. 



136 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 



TO THE COLLEGE ASSOCIATION. 

Letter read at the meeting of the Massachusetts Metaphysical College 
Association, June 3, 1891. 

To the Members of the Christian Scientists' Association op 
the Massachusetts Metaphysical College. 

My beloved students : You ma) 7 be looking to see me 
in my accustomed place with you, but this you must no 
longer expect. When I retired from the field of labor, 
it was a departure socially, publicly, and finally, from 
the routine of such material modes as society and our 
societies demand. Rumors are rumors, — nothing more. 
I am still with you on the field of battle, taking forward 
marches, broader and higher views, and with the hope 
that you will follow. 

The eternal and Infinite, already brought to your 
earnest consideration, so grow upon my vision, that I 
cannot feel justified in turning aside for one hour, from 
contemplation of them and of the faith unfeigned. 
When the verities of Being seem to you as to me, — as 
they must sometime, — you will understand the neces- 
sity for my seclusion, and its fulfilment of divine order. 
" Wherefore, come out from among them, and be ye 
separate, saith the Lord." 

All our thoughts should be given to the absolute 
demonstration of Christian Science. You can well 
afford to give me up, since you have in my last revised 
edition of Science and Health, your teacher and Guide. 

I recommend that the June session of this honorable 
body shall close your meetings for the summer: also, 
that hereafter you hold three sessions annually, con- 



LETTERS. 137 

veiling once in four months ; oftener is not requisite, 
and the members coming from a distance will be accom- 
modated by this arrangement. 

Yours affectionately, 

Mary B. G. Eddy. 



TO THE NATIONAL CHRISTIAN SCIENTIST 
ASSOCIATION. 

My dear Students and Friends : Accept my thanks 
for your card of invitation, your badge, and order of 
exercise, all of which are complete. 

When I gave you a meagre reception in Boston at 
the close of the first convention of the National Chris- 
tian Scientist Association, it was simply to give you 
the privilege, poor as it was, of speaking a few words 
aside to your teacher. I remember my regret, when, 
having asked in general assembly if you had any ques- 
tions to propose, I received no reply. Since then, you 
have doubtless realized that such opportunity might have 
been improved ; but that time has passed. 

I greatly rejoice over the growth of my students within 
the last few years. It was kind of you to part so gen- 
tly with the protecting wings of the mother-bird, and 
to spread your own so bravely. Now, dear ones, if you 
take my advice again, you will do — what ? 

Even this : Disorganize the National Christian Scien- 
tist Association ! and each one return to his place of 
labor, to work out individually and alone, for himself 
and for others, the sublime ends of human life. 

To accomplish this, you must give mucli time to self- 
examination and correction ; you must control appetite, 



138 MISCELLANEOUS WHITINGS. 

passion, pride, envy, evil-speaking, resentment, and each 
one of the innumerable errors that worketh or maketh 
a lie. Then, you can give to the world the benefit of 
all this, and heal and teach with increased confidence. 
My students can now organize their students into associ- 
ations, form churches, and hold these organizations of 
their own, — until, in turn, their students will sustain 
themselves and work for others. 

The time it takes yearly to prepare for this National 
Convention is worse than wasted, if it causes thought to 
wander in the wilderness, or ways of the world. The 
detail of conforming to society, in any way, costs you 
what it would to give time and attention to hygiene in 
your ministry and healing. 

For students to work together is not always to co- 
operate, but sometimes to co-elbow! Each student should 
seek alone the guidance of our common Father — even 
the divine Principle which he claims to demonstrate, — 
and especially should he prove his faith by works, ethi- 
cally, physically, and spiritually. Remember that the 
first and last lesson of Christian Science is love, perfect 
love, and love made perfect through the cross. 

I once thought that in unity was human strength ; 
but have grown to know that human strength is weak- 
ness, —that unity is Divine might giving to human 
power, peace. s 

My counsel is applicable to the state of general growth 
in the members of the National Christian Scientist Asso- 
ciation, but it is not so adapted to the members of 
students' organizations. And wherefore ? Because the 
growth of these at first is more gradual ; but whenever 
they are equal to the march triumphant, God will give 



LETTERS. 139 

to all His soldiers of the cross the proper command, and 
under the banner of His love, and with the " still small 
voice " for the music of our march, we all shall take step 
and march on in spiritual organization. 

Your loving teacher, 

Mary Baker G. Eddy. 

Concord, N. H., May 23, 1890. 

N. B. I recommend this honorable body to adjourn, 
if it does not disorganize, to three years from this date ; 
or, if it does disorganize, to meet again in three years. 
Then bring your tithes into the storehouse, and God will 
pour you out a blessing such as you even yet have not 
received. 

M. B. G. E. 



TO THE FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, 
BOSTON. 

(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through 
God to the pulling down of strongholds;) casting down imaginations, 
and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, 
and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. 

2 Cor. x. 4, 5. 

In April, 1883, I started the Journal of Christian 
Science, with a portion of the above Scripture for its 
motto. 

In December 10, 1889, 1 gave a lot of land — in 
Boston, situated near the beautiful Back Bay Park, now 
valued at $20,000 and rising in value — for the purpose 
of having erected thereon a church edifice to be called 
the Church of Christ, Scientist. 



140 MISCELLANEOUS WEITINGS. 

I had this desirable site transferred in a circuitous, 
novel way, at the wisdom whereof a few persons have 
since scrupled ; but to my spiritual perception, like all 
true wisdom, this transaction will in future be regarded 
as greatly wise, and it will be found that this act was in 
advance of the erring mind's apprehension. 

As with all former efforts in the interest of Christian 
Science, I took care that the provisions for the land and 
building were such as error could not control. I knew 
that to God's gift, foundation and superstructure, no one 
could hold a wholly material title. The land, and the 
church standing on it, must be conveyed through a type 
representing the true nature of the gift ; a type morally 
and spiritually inalienable, but materially questionable 
— even after the manner that all spiritual good comes 
to Christian Scientists, to the end of taxing their faith 
in God, and their adherence to the superiority of the 
claims of Spirit over matter, or merely legal titles. 

No one could buy, sell, or mortgage my gift as I had 
it conveyed. Thus the case rested, and I supposed the 
trustee-deed was legal ; but this was God's business, not 
mine. Our church was prospered by the right hand of 
His righteousness, and contributions to the Building 
Fund generously poured into the treasury. Unity pre- 
vailed, — till mortal man sought to know who owned 
God's temple, and adopted and urged only the material 
side of this question. 

The lot of land which I donated I redeemed from 
under mortgage. The foundation on which our church 
was to be built had to be rescued from the grasp of 
legal power, and now it must be put back into the arms 
of Love, if we would not be found righting against God. 



LETTEES. 141 

The diviner claim and means for upbuilding the Church 
of Christ were prospered. Our title to God's acres will 
be safe and sound — when "we can read our title clear" 
to heavenly mansions. Built on the rock, our church 
will stand the storms of ages : though the material super- 
structure should crumble into dust, the fittest would sur- 
vive, — the spiritual idea would live a perpetual type of 
the divine Principle it reflects. 

The First Church of Christ, Scientist, our prayer in 
stone, will be the prophecy fulfilled, the monument up- 
reared, of Christian Science. It will speak to you of 
the Mother, and of your hearts' offering to her through 
whom was revealed to you God's all-power, all-presence, 
and all-Science. This building begun, will go up, and 
no one can suffer from it, for no one can resist the 
power that is behind it; and against this Church temple 
" the gates of hell cannot prevail." 

All loyal Christian Scientists hail with joy this pro- 
posed type of universal Love ; not so, however, with 
error, which hates the bonds and methods of Truth, and 
shudders at the freedom, might, and majesty of Spirit, 
— even the annihilating law of Love. 

I vindicate both the law of God and the laws of our 
land. I believe, — yea, I understand, — that with the 
spirit of Christ actuating all the parties concerned about 
the legal quibble, it can easily be corrected to the satis- 
faction of all. Let this be speedily done. Do not, I im- 
plore you, stain the early history of Christian Science 
by the impulses of human will and pride ; but let the 
Divine will and the nobility of human meekness rule this 
business transaction, in obedience to the law of Love 
and the laws of our land. 



142 MISCELLANEOUS WHITINGS. 

As the ambassador of Christ's teachings, I admonish 
you : Delay not longer to commence building our church 
in Boston ; or else return every dollar that you your- 
selves declare you have had no legal authority for obtain- 
ing, to the several contributors, — and let them, not you, 
say what shall be done with their money. 

Of our first Church in Boston, recording angel! 
write : God is in the midst of her : how beautiful are 
her feet ! how beautiful are her garments ! how hath He 
enlarged her borders ! how hath He made her wilder- 
nesses to bud and blossom as the rose ! 
With love, 

Mary Baker Eddy. 



Written on receipt of a beautiful boat presented by Christian Scientists 
in Toronto, for the little pond at Pleasant View. The boat displays, among 
other beautiful decorations, a number of masonic symbols. 

Beloved Students and Friends : Accept my thanks 
for the beautiful boat and presentation poem. Each day 
since they arrived I have said, Let me write to the 
donors, — and what ? 

My first impression was to indite a poem ; my 
second, a psalm ; my third, a letter. Why the letter 
alone ? Because your dear hearts expressed in their 
lovely gift such varying types of true affection, shaded 
as autumn leaves with bright hues of the spiritual, 
that my Muse lost her lightsome lyre, and imagery of 
thought gave place to chords of feeling too deep for 
words. 

A boat song seemed more Olympian than the psalm in 
spiritual strains of the Hebrew bard. So I send my 



LETTERS. 143 

answer in a commonplace letter. Poor return, is it 
not? 

The symbols of free-masonry depicted on the boat 
wakened memory, touched tender fibres of thought, and 
I longed to say to the Masonic brothers : If as a woman 
I may not unite with you in free-masonry, nor you with 
me in Christian Science, yet as friends we can feel the 
touch of heart' to heart and hand to hand, on the broad 
basis and sure foundation of true friendship's " level " 
and the " square " of moral sentiments. 

My dear students may have explained to the kind par- 
ticipants in beautifying this boat our spiritual points, 
above the plane of matter. If so, I may hope that a 
closer link hath bound us. Across lakes, into a king- 
dom, I reach out my hand to clasp yours, with this 
silent benediction : May the Kingdom of Heaven come 
in each of your hearts. 

With love, 

Mary Baker Eddy. 



ADDRESS, — LAYING THE CORNER STONE. 

Beloved Students : On the 21st day of May, a. d. 
1894, with quiet, imposing ceremony, is laid the Corner 
Stone of "The First Church of Christ, Scientist," in 
Boston. 

It gives me great pleasure to say that you, principally 
the Normal class graduates of my College, well known 
physicians, teachers, editors, and Pastors of Churches, 
by contributions of $1,000 each, husband and wife 
reckoned as one, have, within about three months, 
donated the munificent sum of forty-two thousand 
dollars toward building the Mother Church. A quiet 



144 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

call from me for this extra contribution, in aid of our 
Church Building Fund, found you all " with one accord, 
in one place." Each donation came promptly; some- 
times at much self-sacrifice, but always accompanied 
with a touching letter breathing the donor's privileged 

joy. 

The granite for this Church was taken from the quar- 
ries in New Hampshire, my native State. The money 
for building " Mother's Room," situated in the second 
story of the tower on the northeast corner of this build- 
ing, and the name thereof, came from the dear children 
of Christian Scientists ; a little band called Busy Bees, 
organized by Miss Maurine R. Campbell. 

On this memorable day there are laid away a copy of 
this Address, the subscription list on which appear your 
several names in your own handwriting, your textbook, 
Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, and 
other works written by the same author, your Teacher, 
the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science ; — with- 
out pomp or pride, laid away as a sacred secret in the 
heart of a rock, there to typify the prophecy, " And a man 
shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert 
from the tempest ; ... as the shadow of a great rock in 
a weary land : " henceforth to whisper our Master's 
promise, " upon this rock I will build my Church ; and 
the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." 

To-day, be this hope in each of our hearts, — precious 
in God's sight as shall be the assembling of His people 
in this Temple, sweet as the rest that remaineth for the 
righteous, and fresh as a summer morn, — that, from 
earth's pillows of stone, our visible lives are rising to 
God. As in the history of a seed, so may our earthly 



LETTEES. 145 

sowing bear fruit, exude the inspiration of the wine 
poured into the cup of Christ. 

To-day I pray, that Divine Love, the life-giving Prin- 
ciple of Christianity, shall speedily wake the long night 
of materialism, and the universal dawn shall break upon 
the spire of this Temple. The Church, more than any other 
institution, at present is the cement of society, and it 
should be the bulwarks of civil and religious liberty. 
But the time cometh when the religious element, or 
Church of Christ, shall exist alone in the affections, 
and need no organization to express it. Till then, this 
form of godliness seems as requisite to manifest its 
spirit, as individuality to express Soul and Substance. 

Does a single bosom burn for fame and power ? Then 
when that person shall possess these, let him ask him- 
self, and answer to his name in this Corner Stone of our 
Temple : Am I greater for them ? And if he thinks 
that he is, then is he less than man to whom God gave 
" dominion over all the earth," less than the meek who 
" inherit the earth." Even vanity forbids man to be 
vain ; and pride is a hooded hawk which flies in dark- 
ness. Over a wounded sense of its own error, let not 
mortal thought resuscitate too soon. 

In our rock-bound friendship, delicate as dear, our 

names may melt into one, and common dust, and their 

modest sign be nothingness. Be this as it may, the 

visible unity of spirit remains, to quicken even dust into 

sweet memorial such as Isaiah prophesied : " The wolf 

shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down 

with the kid ; and the calf and the young lion and the 

fatling together, and a little child shall lead them." 

When the hearts of Christian Scientists are woven 

10 



146 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

together as are their names in the web of history, earth 
will float majestically heaven's heraldry, and echo the 
song of angels : " Glory to God in the highest, and on 
earth peace, good will toward men." 

To the Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, and to 
the dear children that my heart folds within it, let me 
say, — ■ 't is sweet to remember thee, and God's Zion, with 
healing on her wings. May her walls be vocal with sal- 
vation ; and her gates with praise ! 



TO THE FIRST CHURCH OE CHRIST, SCIENTIST, 
BOSTON. 

My beloved Students : I cannot conscientiously lend 
my counsel to direct your action on receiving or dismiss- 
ing candidates. To do this, I should need to be with 
you. I cannot accept hearsay, and would need to know 
the circumstances and facts regarding both sides of the 
subject, to form a proper judgment. This is not my 
present province : hence I have hitherto declined to be 
consulted on these subjects, and still maintain this 
position. 

These are matters of grave import ; and you cannot 
be indifferent to this, but will give them immediate 
attention, and be governed therein by the spirit and the 
letter of this Scripture : " Whatsoever ye would that men 
should do unto you, do ye even so to them." 

I cannot be the conscience for this church ; but if I 
were, I would gather every reformed mortal that desired 
to come, into its fold, and counsel and help him to walk 
in the footsteps of His flock. I feel sure that as Chris- 



LETTERS. 147 

tian Scientists you will act, relative to this matter, up to 
your highest understanding of justice and mercy. 
Affectionately yours, 

Mary Baker Eddy. 

Feb. 12, 1895. 



The First Members op the First Church op Christ, Scientist, 
Boston, Massachusetts. 

My beloved Students : Another year has rolled on, 
another annual meeting has convened, another space of 
time has been given us, and has another duty been done 
and another victory won for time and eternity ? Do you 
meet in unity, preferring one another, and demonstrating 
the divine Principle of Christian Science ? Have you 
improved past hours, and ladened them with records 
worthy to be borne Heavenward ? Have you learned 
that sin is inadmissible, and indicates a small mind ? 
Do you manifest love for those that hate you and des- 
pitefully use you ? 

The man of integrity is one who makes it his constant 
rule to follow the road of duty, according as Truth and 
the voice of his conscience point it out to him. He is not 
guided merely by affections which may sometime give 
the color of virtue to a loose and unstable character. 

The upright man is guided by a fixed Principle which 
destines him to do nothing but what is honorable, and to 
abhor whatever is base or unworthy : hence we find him 
ever the same ; at all times the trusty friend, the affec- 
tionate relative, the conscientious man of business, the 
pious worker, the public-spirited citizen. 

He assumes no borrowed appearance. He seeks no 



148 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

mask to cover him, for he acts no studied part ; but he 
is indeed what he appears to be, — full of truth, candor, 
and humanity. In all his pursuits, he knows no path 
but the fair, open, and direct one, and would much rather 
fail of success than attain it by reproachable means. He 
never shows us a smiling countenance while he meditates 
evil against us in his heart. We shall never find one 
part of his character at variance with another. 

Lovingly yours, 

Mary Baker Eddy. 

Sept. 30, 1895. 



EXTRACT FROM A LETTER. 

" The Rules and By-laws in the Manual of The First 
Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, originated not in 
solemn conclave as in ancient Sanhedrim. They were 
not arbitrary opinions nor dictatorial demands, such as 
one person might impose on another. They were im- 
pelled by a power not one's own, were written at differ- 
ent dates, and as the occasion required. They sprang 
from necessity, the logic of events, — from the immedi- 
ate demand for them as a help that must be supplied to 
maintain the dignity and defence of our cause ; hence 
their simple, scientific basis, and detail so requisite to 
demonstrate genuine Christian Science, and which will 
do for the race what absolute doctrines destined for 
future generations might not accomplish." 



LETTERS. 149 



TO THE MOTHER CHURCH. 

Beloved Brethren : Until recently, I was not aware 
that the contribution box was presented at your Friday 
evening meetings. I specially desire that you collect no 
moneyed contributions from the people present on these 
occasions. 

Let the invitation to this sweet converse be in the 
words of the prophet Isaiah : " Ho, every one that 
thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no 
money ; come ye, buy, and eat ; yea, come, buy wine and 
milk without money and without price." 

Invite all cordially and freely to this banquet of Chris- 
tian Science, this feast and flow of Soul. Ask them to 
bring what they possess of love and light to help leaven 
your loaf, and replenish your scanty store. Then, after 
presenting the various offerings, and one after another 
has opened his lips to discourse and distribute what God 
has given him of experience, hope, faith, and under- 
standing, gather up the fragments, and count the baskets 
full of accessions to your love, and see that nothing has 
been lost. 

With love, 

Mary Baker Eddy. 



TO FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, IN 
OCONTO. 

My beloved Brethren: Lips nor pen can ever ex- 
press the joy you give me in parting so promptly with 
your beloved pastor, Rev. Mr. Norcross, to send him to 
aid me. It is a refreshing demonstration of Christianity, 



150 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

brotherly love, and all the rich graces of the Spirit. 
May this sacrifice bring to your beloved Church a vision 
of the new Church, that cometh down from Heaven, 
whose altar is a loving heart, whose communion is fellow- 
ship with saints and angels. This example of yours is a 
light that cannot be hid. 

Guided by the pillar and the cloud, this little Church 
that built the first temple for Christian Science worship 
shall abide steadfastly in the faith of Jesus' words : 
" Fear not, little flock ; for it is your Father's good pleas- 
ure to give you the Kingdom." May He soon give you 
a pastor ; already you have the great Shepherd of 
Israel watching over you. Give my forever-love to 
your dear Church. 

Yours in bonds of Christ, 

Mary Baker G 9 Eddy. 

Boston, Mass., 1889. 



TO FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, IN 
SCRANTON. 

Beloved Brethren : Space is no separator of hearts. 
Spiritually, I am with all who are with Truth, and whose 
hearts to-day are repeating their joy that God dwelleth 
in the congregation of the faithful, and loveth the gates 
of Zion. 

The outlook is cheering. We have already seen the 
salvation of many people by means of Christian Science. 
Chapels and churches are dotting the entire land. Con- 
venient houses and halls can now be obtained wherein, as 
whereout, Christian Scientists may " worship the Father 
in spirit and in Truth," as taught by our great Master. 



LETTERS. 151 

"If God be for us, who can be against ns?" If He 
be with us, the wayside is a sanctuary, and the desert a 
resting-place peopled with living witnesses of the fact 
that " God is Love." 

God is universal ; confined to no spot, denned by no 
dogma, appropriated by no sect. Not more to one than 
to all, is God demonstrable as divine Life, Truth, and 
Love; and His people are they that reflect Him — that 
reflect Love. Again, this infinite Principle, with its 
universal manifestation, is all that really is or can be ; 
hence God is our Shepherd. He guards, guides, feeds, 
and folds the sheep of His pasture ; and their ears are 
attuned to His call. In the words of the loving disciple, 
" My sheep hear my voice . . . and they follow me ; 
. . . neither shall any man pluck them out of my 
hand." 

God is a consuming fire. He separates the dross 
from the gold, purifies the human character, through 
the furnace of affliction. Those who bear fruit He 
purgeth, that they may bear more fruit. Through the 
sacred law, He speaketh to the unfruitful in tones of 
Sinai : and, in the Gospel, He saith of the barren fig- 
tree, " Cut it down ; why cumbereth it the ground ? " 

God is our Father and our Mother, our Minister and 
the great Physician : He is man's only real relative 
on earth and in heaven. David sang, " Whom have I 
in heaven but thee ? and there is none upon earth that 
I desire besides thee." 

Brother, sister, beloved in the Lord, knowest thou 
thyself, and art thou acquainted with God? If not, I 
pray thee as a Christian Scientist, delay not to make 
Him thy first acquaintance. 



152 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

Glorious things are spoken of you in His Word. Ye 
are a chosen people, whose God is — what? Even All. 
May mercy and truth go before you : may the lamp of 
your life continually be full of oil, and you be wedded 
to the spiritual idea, Christ; then will you heal, and 
teach, and preach, on the ascending scale of everlasting 
Life and Love. 

Affectionately yours in Christ, 

Mary Baker Eddy. 



TO FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, 
IN DENVER. 

Beloved Pastor and Brethren : " As in water face 
answers to face," and in love continents clasp hands, so 
the oneness of God includes also His presence with 
those whose hearts unite in the purposes of goodness. 
Of this we may be sure : that thoughts winged with 
peace and love breathe a silent benediction over all the 
earth, co-operate with the Divine power, and brood un- 
consciously o'er the work of His hand. 

I, as a corporeal person, am not in your midst : I, as a 
dictator, arbiter, or ruler, am not present ; but I, as a 
mother whose heart pulsates with every throb of theirs 
for the welfare of her children, am present, and rejoice 
with them that rejoice. 

May meekness, mercy, and love, dwell forever in the 
hearts of those who worship in this Tabernacle : then 
will they receive the heritage that God lias prepared for 
His people, — made ready for the pure in affection, the 
meek in spirit, the worshipper in Truth, the follower of 
Good. 



LETTERS. 153 

Thus founded upon the Rock of Christ, when storm 
and tempest beat against this sure foundation, you, 
safely sheltered in the strong Tower of hope, faith, and 
Love, are God's nestlings ; and He will hide you in His 
feathers till the storm has passed. Into His haven of 
Soul there enters no element of earth to cast out angels, 
to silence the right intuition which guides you safely 
home. 

Exercise more faith in God and His spiritual means 
and methods, than in man and his material ways and 
means, of establishing the Cause of Christian Science. 
If right yourself, God will confirm His inheritance. " Be 
not weary in well doing." Truth is restful, and Love 
is triumphant. 

When God went forth before His people, they were 
fed with manna : they marched through the wilderness : 
they passed through the Red Sea, untouched by the bil- 
lows. At His command, the rock became a fountain ; 
and the Land of Promise, green isles of refreshment. 
In the words of the Psalmist when " The Lord gave the 
word : great was the company of those that published it." 

God is good to Israel, — washed in the waters of 
Meribah, cleansed of the flesh, — good to His Israel 
encompassed not with pride, hatred, self-will, and self- 
justification ; wherein violence covereth men as a gar- 
ment, and as captives are they enchained. 

Christian Scientists bring forth the fruits of Spirit, 
not flesh ; and God giveth this " new name " to no 
man who honors Him not by positive proof of trust- 
worthiness. May you be able to say, " I have not 
cleansed my heart in vain." 

Sir Edwin Arnold, to whom I presented a copy of 



L54 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

my first edition of Science and Health with Key to 
the Scriptures, writes : — 

a ' Peace on earth and Good-will 1 ' 
Souls that are gentle and still 
Hear the first music of this 
Far-off, infinite, Bliss 1 " 

So may the God of Peace be and abide with this 
Church.. 

Affectionately yours, 

Mary Baker Eddy. 



TO FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, 
IN LAWRENCE. 

Beloved Brethren : The spreading branches of 
the Church of Christ, Scientist, are fast reaching out 
their broad shelter to the entire world. Your faith, has 
not been without works, — and God's love for His flock 
is manifest in His care. He will dig about this little 
Church, prune its encumbering branches, water it with 
the dews of Heaven, enrich its roots and enlarge its bor- 
ders with divine Love. God only waits for man's wor- 
thiness, to enhance the means and measure of His 
grace. You have already proof of the prosperity of 
His Zion. You sit beneath your own vine and fig-tree 
as the growth of spirituality — even that vine whereof 
our Father is Husbandman. 

It is the purpose of divine Love to resurrect the under- 
standing, and the Kingdom of God, the reign of har- 
mony already within us. Through the Word that is 
spoken unto you, are you made free. Abide in His 
Word, and it shall abide in you ; and the healing Christ 



LETTERS. 155 

will again be made manifest in the flesh — understood 
and glorified. 

Honor thy Father and Mother, God. Continue in 
His love. Bring forth fruit — signs following — that 
your prayers be not hindered. Pray without ceasing. 
Watch diligently ; never desert the post of spiritual ob- 
servation and self-examination. Strive for self-abnega- 
tion, justice, meekness, mercy, purity, love. Let your 
light reflect Light. Have no ambition, affection, nor 
aim apart from holiness. Forget not for a moment, 
that God is All in all — therefore, that in reality there 
is but one Cause and effect. 

The pride of circumstance or power is the prince of 
this world that has nothing in Christ. All power and 
happiness are spiritual, and proceed from goodness. 
Sacrifice self to bless one another, even as God has 
blessed you. Forget self in laboring for mankind ; then 
will you woo the weary wanderer to your door, win the 
pilgrim and stranger to your church, and find access to 
the heart of humanity. While pressing meekly on, be 
faithful, be valiant in the Christian's warfare, and peace 
will crown your joy. 

Lovingly yours, 

Mary Baker Eddy. 

TO CORRESPONDENTS. 

Beloved Students : Because Mother has not the 
time even to read all of her interesting correspondence, 
and less wherein to answer it (however much she de- 
sires thus to do), she hereby requests: First, that you, 
her students' students, who write such excellent letters 
to her, will hereafter, as a general rule, send them to the 



156 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

editors of the Christian Science Journal for publication, 
and thereby give to us all the pleasure of hearing from 
you. 

If my own students cannot spare time to write to 
God, — when they address me I shall be apt to forward 
their letters to Him as our common Parent, and by way 
of the Christian Science Journal; thus fulfilling their 
moral obligation to furnish some reading matter for our 
denominational organ. Methinks, were they to contem- 
plate the universal charge wherewith divine Love has 
entrusted us, in behalf of a suffering race, they would 
contribute oftener to the pages of . this swift vehicle of 
Scientific thought ; for it reaches a vast number of 
earnest readers, and seekers after Truth. 
With love, 

Mary Baker Eddy. 

TO STUDENTS. 

Beloved Christian Scientists : Please send in your 
contributions as usual to our Journal. All is well at 
headquarters, and when the mist shall melt away you 
will see clearly the signs of Truth and the heaven of 
love within your hearts. Let the reign of peace and 
harmony be supreme and forever yours. 

I proposed to merge the adjourned meeting in the one 
held at Chicago, because I saw no advantage, but great 
disadvantage, in one student's opinions or modus oper- 
andi becoming the basis for others : read Retrospection 
on this subject. Science is absolute, and best under- 
stood through the study of my works and the daily 
Christian demonstration thereof. It is their materiality 
that clogs the progress of students, and " this kind goeth 



LETTERS. 157 

not forth but by prayer and fasting." It is materialism 
through which the animal magnetizer preys, and in turn 
becomes a prey. Spirituality is the basis of all true 
thought and volition. Assembling themselves together, 
and listening to each other amicably, or contentiously, 
is no aid to students in acquiring solid Christian Science. 
Experience and, above all, obedience, are the aids and 
tests of growth and understanding in this direction. 
With love, 

Mary B. G. Eddy. 

TO A STUDENT. 

My dear Student : It is a great thing to be found 
worthy to surfer for Christ, Truth. Jesus said, " If ye 
suffer with me, ye shall also reign with me." Reign, 
then, my beloved in the Lord. He that marketh the 
sparrow's fall will direct thy way. 

I have written, or caused my secretary to write, to Mr. 
and Mrs. Stewart, of Toronto, Canada (you will find their 
card in the C. S. Journal'), that you or your lawyer will 
ask them all questions important for your case, and re- 
quested that they furnish all information possible. 
They will be glad to help you. Every true Christian 
Scientist will feel " as bound with you," but as free in 
Truth and Love, safe under the shadow of His wing. 

Yes, my student, my Father is your Father ; and He 
helps us most when help is most needed, for He is the 
ever-present help. 

I am glad that you are in good cheer. I enclose you 
the name of Mr. E. A. Kimball, C. S. D., of Chicago, — 
5020 Woodlawn Ave., — for items relative to Mrs. Steb- 
bin's case. 



158 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

" Commit thy way to the Lord ; trust also in Him ; 
and He shall bring it to pass. And He shall bring forth 
thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the 
noonday." This I know, for God is for us. 

Write me when you need me. Error has no power 
but to destroy itself. It cannot harm you; it cannot 
stop the eternal currents of Truth. 

Ever with love, 

Mary B. G. Eddy. 

TO A STUDENT. 

My beloved Student : In reply to your letter I will 
say : God's ways are not as our ways ; but higher far 
than the Heavens above the earth is His wisdom above 
ours. When I requested you to be ordained, I little 
thought of the changes about to be made. When I 
insisted on your speaking without notes, I little knew 
that so soon another change in your pulpit would be 
demanded. But now, after His messenger has obeyed 
the message of divine Love, comes the interpretation 
thereof. But you see we both had first to obey, and to 
do this through faith, not sight. 

The meaning of it all, as now shown, is this : when 
you were bidden to be ordained, it was in reward for 
your faithful service, thus to honor it. The second 
command, to drop the use of notes, was to rebuke a lack 
of faith in Divine help, and to test your humility and 
obedience in bearing this cross. 

All God's servants are minute men and women. As 
of old, I stand with sandals on and staff in hand, wait- 
ing for the watchword and the revelation of what, how, 



LETTERS. 159 

whither. Let us be faithful and obedient, and God will 
do the rest. 

In the April number of the Christian Science Journal 
you will find the forthcoming completion (as I now 
think) of the Divine directions sent out to the churches. 
It is satisfactory to note, however, that the order therein 
given corresponds to the example of our Master. Jesus 
was not ordained as our churches ordain ministers. We 
have no record that he used notes when preaching. He 
spake in their synagogues, reading the Scriptures and 
expounding them ; and God has given to this age Sci- 
ence and Health with Key to the Scriptures, to elu- 
cidate His Word. 

You may read this letter to your Church, and then 
send it to Rev. Mr. Norcross, and he will understand. 
May the God of all grace give you peace. 
With love, 

Mary Baker Eddy. 

extract from a christmas letter. 

Beloved Students : My heart has many rooms : one 
of these is sacred to the memory of my students. Into 
this upper chamber where all things are pure and of 
good report, — into this sanctuary of Love, — 1 often 
retreat, sit silently, and ponder. In this chamber is 
memory's wardrobe, where I deposit certain recollec- 
tions and rare grand collections once in each year. 
This is my Christmas storehouse. Its goods commem- 
orate, — not so much the Bethlehem babe, as the man of 
God, the risen Christ, and the adult Jesus. Here I 
deposit the gifts that my dear students offer at the 
shrine of Christian Science, and to their lone leader. 



160 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

Here I talk once a year, — and this is a bit of what 
I said in 1890: "0 glorious Truth! Mother Love! 
how has the sense of thy children grown to behold Thee! 
and how have many weary wings sprung upward ! and 
how has our Model, Christ, been unveiled to us, and to 
the age ! " 

I look at the rich devices in embroidery, silver, gold 
and jewels, — all gifts of Christian Scientists from all 
parts of our nation, and some from abroad, — then 
almost marvel at the power and permanence of affection 
under the regime of Christian Science ! Never did 
gratitude and love unite more honestly in uttering 
the word thanks, than ours at this season. But a 
mother's love behind words has no language ; it may 
give no material token, but lives steadily on, through 
time and circumstance, as part and paramount portion 
of her being. 

Thus may our lives flow on in the same sweet rhythm 
of head and heart, till they meet and mingle in bliss super- 
nal. There is a special joy in knowing that one is gaining 
constantly in the knowledge of Truth and divine Love. 
Your progress, the past year, has been marked. It 
satisfies my present hope. Of this we rest assured, 
that every trial of our faith in God makes us stronger 
and firmer in understanding and obedience. 

Lovingly yours, 

Mary Baker G. Eddy. 



CHAPTEK VI. 

A CHRISTMAS SERMON. 

Delivered in Chickering Hall, Boston, Mass., on the 
Sunday before Christmas, 1888. 

Subject. — The Corporeal and Incorporeal Saviour. 

Text. — For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given ; 
and the government shall be upon his shoulders: and his name 
shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The 
everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. — Isaiah ix. 6. 

TO the senses, Jesus was the son of man: in Science, 
man is the Son of God. The material senses could 
not cognize the Christ, or Son of God: it was 
Jesus' approximation to this state of being, that made 
him the Christ-Jesus, the God-like, the Anointed. 

The Prophet, whose words we have chosen for our 
text, prophesied the appearing of this dual nature, as 
both human and divinely endowed, the personal and the 
impersonal Jesus. 

The only record of our Master as a public benefactor, 
or personal Saviour, opens when he was thirty years of 
age ; owing in part, perhaps, to the Jewish law that none 
should teach or preach in public under that age. Also, 
it is natural to conclude that at this juncture he was 
specially endowed with the Holy Spirit ; for he was given 
the new name, Messiah, or Jesus Christ, — the God- 

11 



162 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

anointed; even as at times of special enlightenment, 
Jacob was called Israel; and Saul, Paul. 

The third event of this eventful period, — a period of 
such wonderful spiritual import to mankind ! — was the 
advent of a higher Christianity. 

From this dazzling, God-crowned summit, the JNaza- 
rene stepped suddenly before the people and their 
schools of philosophy: Gnostic, Epicurean, and Stoic. 
He must stem these rising angry elements, and walk 
serenely over their fretted, foaming billows. 

Here, the cross became the emblem of Jesus' history; 
while the central point of his Messianic mission was 
peace, good will, love, teaching, and healing. 

Clad with divine might, he was ready to stem the 
tide of Judaism, and prove his power, derived from 
Spirit, to be supreme; lay himself as a lamb upon the 
altar of materialism, and therefrom rise to his nativity in 
Spirit. 

The corporeal Jesus bore our infirmities, and through 
his stripes we are healed. He was the Way-shower, and 
suffered in the flesh, showing mortals how to escape 
from the sins of the flesh. 

There was no incorporeal Jesus of Nazareth. The 
spiritual man, or Christ, was after the similitude of the 
Father, without corporeality or finite mind. 

Materiality, worldliness, human pride, or self-will, 
by demoralizing his motives and Christlikeness, would 
have dethroned his power as the Christ. 

To carry out his holy purpose, he must be oblivious 
of human self. 

Of the lineage of David, like him, he went forth sim- 
ple as the shepherd boy to disarm the Goliath. Pano- 



A CHRISTMAS SERMON. 163 

plied in the strength of an exalted hope, faith, and 
understanding, he sought to conquer the three-in-one of 
error : the world, the flesh, and the devil. 

Three years, he went about doing good. He had 
for thirty years been preparing to heal and teach 
divinely; but his three-years' mission was a marvel of 
glory : its chaplet, a grave to mortal sense dishonored — 
from which sprang a sublime and everlasting victory! 

He who dated time, The Christian Era, and spanned 
eternity, was the meekest man on earth. He healed 
and taught by the wayside, in humble homes: to arrant 
hypocrite and to dull disciples he explained the word 
of God, which has since ripened into interpretation 
through Science. 

His words were articulated in the language of a de- 
clining race, and committed to the providence of God. 
In no one thing seemed he less human and more divine 
than in his unfaltering faith in the immortality of 
Truth. Referring to this, he said, " Heaven and earth 
shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away! " and 
they have not : they still live ; and are the basis of divine 
liberty, the medium of Mind, the hope of the race. 

Only three years a personal Saviour ! yet, the founda- 
tions he laid are as eternal as Truth, the chief corner 
stone. 

After his brief brave struggle, and the crucifixion of 
the corporeal man, the incorporeal Saviour — the Christ 
or spiritual idea which leadeth into all Truth — must 
needs come in Christian Science, demonstrating the 
spiritual healing of body and mind. 

This idea or divine essence was, and is, forever about 
the Father's business; heralding the Principle of health, 
holiness, and immortality. 



164 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

Its divine Principle interprets the incorporeal idea, 01 
Son of God; hence the incorporeal and corporeal are dis- 
tinguished thus: the former, is the spiritual idea that 
represents divine Good; and the latter, is the human 
presentation of goodness in man. The Science of 
Christianity, that has appeared in the ripeness of time, 
reveals the incorporeal Christ; and this will continue to 
be seen more clearly until it be acknowledged, under- 
stood, — and the Saviour, which is Truth, be compre- 
hended. 

To the vision of the wise men, this spiritual idea of the 
Principle of man or the universe, appeared as a star. 
At first, the babe Jesus seemed small to mortals; but 
from the mount of revelation, the Prophet beheld it 
from the beginning as the Redeemer, who would present 
a wonderful manifestation of Truth and Love. 

In our text Isaiah foretold, " His name shall be called 
Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting 
Father, the Prince of Peace." 

As the wise men grew in the understanding of Christ, 
the spiritual idea, it grew in favor with them. Thus it 
will continue, as it shall become understood, until 
man be found in the actual likeness of his Maker. 
Their highest human concept of the man Jesus, that 
portrayed him as the only Son of God, the only begotten 
of the Father, full of grace and Truth, will become so 
magnified to human sense by means of the lens of 
Science, as to reveal man collectively, as individually, 
to be the Son of God. 

The limited view of God's ideas arose from the 
testimony of the senses. Science affords the evidence 
that God is the Father of man, of all that is real and 



A CHRISTMAS SERMON 165 

eternal. This spiritual idea, that the personal Jesus 
demonstrated, casting out evils and healing more than 
eighteen centuries ago, disappeared by degrees; both 
because of the ascension of Jesus, in which it was seen 
that he had grown beyond the human sense of him, and 
because of the corruption of the church. 

The last appearing of Truth will be a wholly spiritual 
idea of God and of j\Ian, without the fetters of the 
flesh, or corporeality. This infinite idea of Infinity will 
be, is, as eternal as its divine Principle. The daystar of 
this appearing is the light of Christian Science — the 
Science which rends the veil of the flesh from top to 
bottom. The light of this revelation leaves nothing that 
is material; neither darkness, doubt, disease, nor death. 
The material corporeality disappears; and individual 
spirituality, perfect, and eternal, appears — never to dis- 
appear. 

The Truth uttered and lived by Jesus, who passed on 
and left to mortals the rich legacy of what he said and 
did, makes his followers the heirs to his example; but 
they can neither appreciate nor appropriate his treasures 
of Truth and Love, until lifted to these by their own 
growth and experiences. His goodness and grace pur- 
chased the means of mortals' redemption from sin; but, 
they never paid the price of sin. This cost, none but 
the sinner can pay; and accordingly as this account is 
settled with divine Love, is the sinner ready to avail 
himself of the rich blessings flowing from the teach- 
ing, example, and suffering, of our Master. 

The secret stores of wisdom must be discovered, their 
treasures reproduced and given to the world, before man 
can truthfully conclude that he has been found in 



166 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

the order, mode, and virgin origin of Divine Science; 
which, alone demonstrates the divine Principle and 
spiritual idea of Being. 

The monument whose finger points upward, com- 
memorates the earthly life of a martyr; but this is not 
all of the philanthropist, hero, and Christian. The 
Truth he has taught and spoken, lives, and moves in our 
midst a divine afflatus. Thus it is that the ideal Christ 
— or impersonal infancy, manhood, and womanhood, of 
Truth and Love — is still with us. 

And what of this child? — "For unto us a child is 
born, a son is given, and the government shall be upon 
his shoulders. " 

This idea has evolved a more ready ear for the over- 
ture of angels, and the Scientific understanding of Truth 
and Love. When this idea of God was nameless, and 
a Mary knew not how to declare its spiritual origin, it 
was not understood. The Judaean religion even re- 
quired the Virgin Mother to go to the Temple and be 
purified, for having given birth to the child Jesus, whose 
origin was more spiritual than the senses could interpret. 
Like the leaven that a certain woman hid in three 
measures of meal, the Science of God and His idea, 
named in this century Christian Science, is leavening 
the lump of human thought, until the whole shall be 
leavened, and all materialism shall finally disappear. 
This action of the divine Energy, even if not acknowl- 
edged, has come to be seen as diffusing richest blessings. 
This spiritual idea entered into the minutise of the life 
of the personal Jesus. It made him an honest man, 
a good carpenter, and a good man, before it could make 
him the glorified. 



A CHRISTMAS SERMON. 167 

The material questions at the reappearing of the 
infantile thought of God's man, are after the manner 
of a mother in the flesh, though their answers pertain 
to Christian Science : — 

Is he deformed? 

He is wholly symmetrical; the one altogether lovely. 

Is the babe a son or daughter? 

Both son and daughter: even the idea of all that re- 
sembles God. 

How much does he weigh? 

His - Substance outweighs the universe. 

How old is he? 

Of his days there is no beginning and no ending. 

What is his name? 
Christian Science. 

Who are his parents, brothers, and sisters? 

His Father and Mother are divine Life, Truth, and 
Love; and they who do the will of his Father are his 
brethren. 

Is he heir to an estate? 

" The government shall be upon his shoulders ! " He 
has dominion over the whole earth; and in admiration 
of his origin, he exclaims, " I thank thee, Father, Lord 
of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things 
from the wise and prudent, and revealed them unto 
babes!" 

Is he wonderful? 

His works thus prove him. He giveth power, peace, 
and holiness: he exalteth the lowly: he giveth liberty 
to the captive, health to the sick, salvation from sin to 
the sinner — and overcometh the world ! 



168 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

Go, and tell what things ye shall see and hear: how 
the blind, spiritually and physically, receive sight; how 
the lame, those halting between two opinions or hob- 
bling on crutches, walk; how the physical and moral 
lepers are cleansed; how the deaf — those who having 
ears, hear not, and are afflicted with " tympanum on the 
brain" — hear; how the dead, those buried in dogmas 
and physical ailments, are raised; that to the poor — 
the lowly in Christ, not the man-made rabbi — the 
Gospel is preached. Note this: Only such as are pure 
in spirit, emptied of vainglory and vain knowledge, re- 
ceive Truth. 

Here ends the colloquy; and a voice from heaven 
seems to say, " Come and see." 

The nineteenth-century prophets repeat, " Unto us a 
son is given." 

The shepherds shout, " We behold the appearing of 
the star! " — and (he pure in heart clap their hands. 

EDITOR'S EXTRACTS FROM SERMON. 

Text. — Te do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the 
power of God. — Matt. xxii. 29. 

The editor of the " Christian Science Journal " made 
the announcement that the Rev. Mary B. G. Eddy would 
speak before the Scientist denomination on the afternoon 
of October 26, and drew a large audience. Hawthorne 
Hall was densely packed, and many had to go away un- 
able to obtain seats. The distinguished speaker began 
by saying : — 

Within Bible pages she had found all the divine Science 
she preaches ; noticing all along the way of her researches 
therein, that whenever her thoughts had wandered into 



EXTRACTS FROM SERMON. 169 

the by-paths of ancient philosophies or pagan literatures, 
her spiritual insight had been darkened thereby, till 
she was God-driven back to the inspired pages. Early 
training, through the misinterpretation of the Word, 
had been the underlying cause of the long years of in- 
validism she endured before Truth dawned upon her 
understanding, through right interpretation. With the 
understanding of Scripture-meanings, had come physical 
rejuvenation. The uplifting of spirit was the upbuild- 
ing of the body. 

She affirmed that the Scriptures cannot properly be 
interpreted in a literal way. The truths they teach 
must be spiritually discerned, before their message can 
be borne fully to our minds and hearts. That there 
is a dual meaning to every Biblical passage, the most 
eminent divines of the world have concluded; and to 
get at the highest, or metaphysical, it is necessary 
rightly to read what the inspired writers left for our 
spiritual instruction. The literal rendering of the 
Scriptures makes them nothing valuable, but often is the 
foundation of unbelief and hopelessness. The meta- 
physical rendering is health and peace and hope for 
all. The literal or material reading is the reading of 
the carnal mind, which is enmity toward God, Spirit. 

Taking several Bible passages, Mrs. Eddy showed how 
beautiful and inspiring are the* thoughts when rightly 
understood. " Let the dead bury their dead ; follow 
thou me," was one of the passages explained meta- 
physically. In their fullest meaning, those words are 
salvation from the belief of death, the last enemy to 
be overthrown; for by following Christ truly, resurrec- 
tion and life immortal are brought to us. If we follow 



170 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

Him, to us there can be no dead. Those who know not 
this, may still believe in death and weep over the graves 
of their beloved: but with Him, is life eternal, which 
never changes to death. ) The eating of bread and drink- 
ing of wine at the Lord's supper, merely symbolize the 
spiritual refreshment of God's children having rightly 
read His word, whose entrance into their understanding 
is healthful life. This is the reality behind the symbol. 

So, also, she spoke of the hades, or hell of Scripture, 
saying : " We make our own heavens and our own hells, 
by right and wise, or wrong and foolish, conceptions of 
God and our fellow-men. Jesus interpreted all spirit- 
ually; " I have bread to eat that ye know not of," he 
said. The bread he ate, which was refreshment of 
divine strength, we also may all partake of. 

The material record of the Bible, she said, is no more 
important to our well-being than the history of Europe 
and America; but the spiritual application bears upon 
our eternal life. The method of Jesus was purely meta- 
physical ; and no other method is Christian Science. In 
the passage recording Jesus' proceedings with the blind 
man (Mark viii.) he is said to have spat upon the man's 
eyes. This was the Hebrew method of expressing the 
utmost contempt. So Jesus is recorded as having ex- 
pressed contempt for the belief of material eyes as hav- 
ing any power to see. "Having eyes, ye see not; and 
ears, ye hear not," he had just told them. The putting 
on of hands mentioned, she explained as the putting 
forth of power. " Hand," in Bible usage, often means 
spiritual power. "His hand is not shortened that it 
cannot save," can never be wrested from its true mean- 
ing to signify human hands. Jesus' first effort to realize 



EXTRACTS FEOM SERMON. 171 

Truth was not wholly successful ; but he rose to the occa- 
sion with the second attempt, and the blind saw clearly. 
To suppose that Jesus did actually spit upon the blind 
man's eyes, is as absurd as to think, according to the 
report of some, that Christian Scientists sit in back-to- 
back seances with their patients, for the divine power 
to filter from vertebras to vertebras. When one comes 
to the age with spiritual translations of God's messages, 
expressed in literal or physical terms, our right action 
is not to condemn and deny, but to " try the spirits " 
and see what manner they are of. This does not mean 
communing with spirits supposed to have departed from 
the earth, but the seeking out of the basis upon which 
are accomplished the works by which the new teacher 
would prove his right to be heard. By these signs are 
the true disciples of the Master known: the sick are 
healed ; to the poor the gospel is preached. 



EXTRACT FROM A SERMON DELIVERED IN BOSTON, 
JANUARY 18, 1885. 

Text. — For the kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven which 
a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole 
was leavened. — Matt. xiii. 33. 

Few people at present know aught of the Science 
of mental healing; and so many are obtruding upon the 
public attention their ignorance or false knowledge in 
the name of Science, that it behooves all clad in the 
shining mail, to keep bright their invincible armor; to 
keep their demonstrations modest, and their claims and 
lives steadfast in Truth. 
< Dispensing the Word charitably, but separating the 



172 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

tares from the wheat, let us declare the positive and 
the negative of metaphysical Science; what it is, and 
what it is not. Intrepid, self-oblivions Protestants in 
a higher sense than ever before, let us meet and defeat 
the claims of sense and sin, regardless of the bans or 
clans pouring in their fire upon us; and white-winged 
Charity, brooding over all, shall cover with her feathers 
the veriest sinner. 

Divine and unerring Mind measures man, until the 
three measures be accomplished, and he arrives at ful- 
ness of stature; for "the Lord God omnipotent 
reigneth." 

Science is Divine: it is neither of human origin nor 
of human direction. That which is termed " natural 
science/ ' the evidences whereof are taken in by the 
five personal senses, presents but a finite, feeble sense 
of the infinite law of God; which law is written on the 
heart, received through the affections, spiritually un- 
derstood, and demonstrated in our lives. 

This law of God is the Science of mental healing, 
spiritually discerned, understood, and obeyed. 

Mental Science, and the five personal senses, are at 
war; and peace can only be declared on the side of 
immutable right, — the health, holiness, and immortal- 
ity of man. To gain this scientific result, the first and 
fundamental rule of Science must be understood and 
adhered to; namely, the oft-repeated declaration in 
Scripture that God is good; hence, Good is omnipotent 
and omnipresent. 

Ancient and modern philosophy, human reason, or 
man's theorems, misstate mental Science, its Principle 
and practice. The most enlightened sense herein sees 
nothing but a law of matter. 



EXTRACTS FROM SERMON. 173 

Who has ever learned of the schools that there is but 
One Mind, and that this is God, who healeth all our 
sickness and sins? 

Who has ever learned from the schools, pagan phil- 
osophy, or scholastic theology, that Science is the law 
of Mind and not of matter, and that this law has no 
relation to, or recognition of, matter? 

Mind is its own great Cause and effect. Mind is 
God, omnipotent and omnipresent. What, then, of an 
opposite so-called Science, which says that man is both 
matter and mind, that Mind is in matter? Can the 
Infinite be within the finite? And must not man have 
pre-existed in the All and Only ? Does an evil mind ex- 
ist without space to occupy, power to act, or vanity to 
pretend that it is man? 

If God is Mind and fills all space, is everywhere, 
matter is nowhere and sin is obsolete. If Mind, God, 
is all-power and all-presence, man is not met by an- 
other power and presence, that — obstructing his intelli- 
gence — pains, fetters, and befools him. The per- 
fection of man is intact; whence, then, is something 
besides Him that is not the counterpart but the coun- 
terfeit of man's Creator? Surely not from God, for He 
made man in His own likeness. Whence, then, is the 
atom or molecule called matter? Have attraction and 
cohesion formed it? But are these forces laws of mat- 
ter, or laws of Mind? 

For matter to be matter, it must have been self- 
created. Mind has no more power to evolve or to create 
matter than has good to produce evil. Matter is a 
misstatement of Mind; it is a lie, claiming to talk and 
disclaim against Truth; idolatry, having other gods; 
evil, having presence and power over Omnipotence ! 



174 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

Let us have a clearing up of abstractions. Let us 
come into the presence of Him who removeth all in- 
iquities, and healeth all our diseases. Let us attach 
our sense of Science to what touches the religious sen- 
timent within man. Let us open our affections to the 
Principle that moves all in harmony, — from the fall- 
ing of a sparrow to the rolling of a world. Above 
Arcturus and his sons, broader than the solar system 
and higher than the atmosphere of our planet, is the 
Science of mental Healing. 

What is the kingdom of heaven? The abode of 
Spirit, the realm of the real. JSTo matter is there, no 
night is there — nothing that maketh or worketh a lie. 
Is this kingdom afar off? No: it is ever-present here. 
The first to declare against this kingdom is matter. 
Shall that be called heresy which pleads for Spirit — 
the All of God, and His omnipresence? 

The kingdom of heaven is the reign of divine Science : 
it is a mental state. Jesus said, it is within you, and 
taught us to pray, "Thy kingdom come;" but he did 
not teach us to pray for death whereby to gain heaven. 
We do not look into darkness for light. Death can 
never usher in the dawn of Science that reveals the 
spiritual facts of man's Life here and now. 

The leaven which a woman took and hid in three 
measures of meal, is divine Science; the Comforter; 
the Holy Ghost that leadeth into all Truth; the still, 
small voice that breathes His presence and power, cast- 
ing out error, and healing the sick. And woman, the 
spiritual idea, takes of the things of God and showeth 
them unto the creature, until the whole sense of being 
is leavened with Spirit. The three measures of meal 



EXTRACTS FROM SERMON. 175 

may well be likened to the false sense of life, substance, 
and intelligence which says, I am sustained by bread, 
matter, instead of Mind. The spiritual leaven of divine 
Science changes this false sense, giving better views of 
Life; saying, Man's Life is God; and when this shall 
appear, it shall be " the substance of things hoped for." 

The measure of Life shall increase by every spiritual 
touch, even as the leaven expands the loaf. Man shall 
keep the feast of Life, not with the old leaven of the 
Scribes and Pharisees, neither with " the leaven of 
malice and wickedness, but the unleavened bread of 
sincerity and truth." 

Thus it can be seen that the Science of mental healing 
must be understood. There are false Christs that 
would " deceive, if it were possible, the very elect," 
by instituting matter and its methods in place of God, 
Mind. Their supposition is, that there are other minds 
than His; that one mind controls another; that one be- 
lief takes the place of another. But this ism of to-day 
has nothing to do with the Science of mental healing 
which acquaints us with God, and reveals the one perfect 
Mind and His laws. 

The attempt to mix matter and Mind, to work by 
means of both animal magnetism and Divine power, is 
literally saying, "Have we not in thy name cast out 
devils, and done many wonderful works? " 

But Remember God in all thy ways, and thou shalt 
find the Truth that breaks the dream of sense, letting 
the harmony of Science that declares Him, come in 
with healing, and peace, and perfect Love. 



176 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 



SUNDAY SERVICES ON JULY FOURTH. 
Extempobe Remarks. 

The great theme so deeply and solemnly expounded 
by the preacher, has been exemplified in all ages, but 
chiefly in the great crises of nations or of the human 
race. It is then that supreme devotion to Principle has 
especially been called for and manifested. It is then 
that we learn a little more of the nothingness of evil, and 
more of the divine energies of good, and strive valiantly 
for the liberty of the sons of God. 

The day we celebrate reminds us of the heroes and 
heroines who counted not their own lives dear to them, 
when they sought the ~New England shores, not as the 
flying nor as conquerors, but, steadfast in faith and 
love, to build upon the Rock of Christ, the true idea 
of God — the supremacy of Spirit and the nothing- 
ness of matter. When first the Pilgrims planted their 
feet on Plymouth Pock, frozen ritual and creed should 
forever have melted away in the fire of love which came 
down from Heaven. The Pilgrims came to establish a 
nation in true freedom, in the rights of conscience. 

But what of ourselves, and our times and obligations? 
Are we duly aware of our own great opportunities and 
responsibilities? Are we prepared to meet and improve 
them, to act up to the acme of divine energy where- 
with we are armored? 

Never was there a more solemn and imperious call 
than God makes to us all, right here, for fervent de- 
votion, and an absolute consecration to the greatest and 
holiest of all causes. The hour is come. The great 
battle of Armageddon is upon us. The powers of evil 



EASTER SERVICES. 177 

are leagued together in secret conspiracy against the 
Lord and against His Christ, as expressed and opera- 
tive in Christian Science. Large numbers, in desperate 
malice, are engaged day and night in organizing action 
against us. Their feeling and purpose are deadly, and 
they have sworn enmity against the lives of our standard- 
bearers. 

What will you do about it? Will you be equally 
in earnest for the Truth? W^ill you doff your lavender- 
kid zeal, and become real and consecrated warriors? 
Will you give yourselves wholly and irrevocably to the 
great work of establishing the Truth, the Gospel, and 
the Science which are necessary to the salvation of the 
world from error, sin, disease, and death? Answer at 
once and practically, and answer aright! 

EASTER SERVICES. 

The editor of the " Christian Science Journal " said 
that at three o'clock, the hour for the Church service 
proper, the pastor, Rev. Mary Baker G. Eddy, accom- 
panied by Rev. D. A. Easton, who was announced to 
preach the sermon, came on the platform. The pastor 
introduced Mr. Easton as follows: — 

Friends : The homesick traveller in foreign lands 
greets with joy a familiar face. I am constantly home- 
sick for Heaven. In my long journeyings, I have met 
one who comes from the place of my own sojourning 
for many years, — the Congregational Church. He is 
a graduate of Bowdoin College and of Andover The- 
ological School. He has left his old church, as I did, 
from a yearning of the heart; because he was not sat- 
isfied with a man-like God, but wanted to become a 

12 



178 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

God-like man. He found that the new wine could not 
be put into old bottles without bursting them, and he 
came to us. 

Mr. Easton then delivered an interesting discourse 
from the text, " If ye then be risen with Christ, seek 
those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on 
the right hand of God " (Col. iii. 1), which he prefaced 
by saying: — 

" I think it was about a year ago that I strayed into 
this hall, a stranger, and wondered what sort of people 
you were, and of what you were worshippers. If any- 
one had said to me that to-day I should stand before 
you to preach a sermon on Christian Science, I should 
have replied, i Much learning ' — or something else — 
'hath made thee mad.' If I had not found Christian 
Science a new Gospel, I should not be standing before 
you: if I had not found it Truth, I could not have 
stood up again to preach, here or elsewhere." 

At the conclusion of the sermon, the Pastor again 
came forward, and added the following: — 

My Friends: I wished to be excused from speaking 
to-day, but will yield to circumstances. In the flesh, we 
are as a partition wall between the old and the new; 
between the old religion in which we have been edu- 
cated, and the new, living, impersonal Christ-thought 
that has been given to the world to-day. 

The old churches are saying, "He is not here;" and 
" who shall roll away the stone? " 

The stone has been rolled away by human suffer- 
ing. The first rightful desire in the hour of loss, when 
believing we have lost sight of Truth, is to know where 
He is laid. This appeal resolves itself into these 
questions : — 



EASTER SERVICES. 179 

Is our consciousness in matter or in God? Have we 
any other consciousness than that of Good? If we have, 
He is saying to us to-day,- "Adam, where art thou?" 
We are wrong if our consciousness is in sin, sickness, 
and death. This is the old consciousness. 

In the new religion the teaching is, " He is not here ; 
Truth is not in matter; He is risen; Truth has become 
more to us, more true, more spiritual." 

Can we say this to-day? Have we left the conscious- 
ness of sickness and sin, for that of health and 
holiness? 

What is it that seems a stone between us and the 
resurrection morning? 

It is the belief of mind in matter. We can only 
come into the spiritual resurrection by quitting the 
old consciousness of Soul in sense. 

These flowers are floral apostles. God does all this 
through His followers; and He made every flower in 
Mind before it sprang from the earth: yet we look into 
matter and the earth to give us these smiles of God! 

We must lay aside material consciousness, and then 
we can perceive Truth, and say with Mary, " Eabboni ! " 
— Master! 

In 1866, when God revealed to me this risen 
Christ, this Life that knows no death, that saith, 
" Because He lives, I live/ 7 I awoke from the dream 
of Spirit in the flesh so far as to take the side of Spirit, 
and strive to cease my warfare. 

When, through this consciousness, I was delivered 
from the dark shadow and portal of death, my friends 
were frightened at beholding me restored to health. 

A dear old lady asked me, " How is it, that you are 
restored to us? Has Christ come again on earth?" 



180 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

" Christ never left," I replied; " Christ is Truth, and 
Truth is always here, — the impersonal Saviour." 

Then another person, more material, met me, and 
I said, in the words of my Master, " Touch me not." 
I shuddered at her material approach; then my heart 
went out to God, and I found the open door from this 
sepulchre of matter. 

I love the Easter service: it speaks to me of Life, 
and not of death. 

Let us do our work; then we shall have part in his 
resurrection. 

BIBLE LESSONS. 

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to be- 
come the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name : 
Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor 
of the will of man, but of God. — John i. 12, 13. 

Here, the apostle assures us that man has power 
to become the son of God. In the Hebrew text, 
the word " son " is denned variously; a month is 
called the son of a year. This term, as applied to man, 
is used in both a material and a spiritual sense. The 
Scriptures speak of Jesus as the son of God and the son 
of man; but Jesus said: " Call no man father; for one 
is your father, even God." 

Is man's spiritual sonship a personal gift to man, or 
is it the reality of his being, in Divine Science? Man's 
knowledge of this grand verity gives him power to 
demonstrate his divine Principle which, in turn, is 
requisite in order to understand his sonship, or unity with 
God, Good. A personal requirement of blind obedi- 
ence to the law of Being, would tend to obscure the 



BIBLE LESSONS. 181 

order of Science, unless that requirement should express 
the claims of the divine Principle. Infinite Principle 
and infinite Spirit must be one. What avail, then, to 
quarrel over what is the person of Spirit, — if we recog- 
nize infinitude as personality, — for who can tell what 
is the form of Infinity? When we understand man's 
true birthright, that he is born " not of the flesh, nor of 
the will of man, but of God," we shall understand that 
man is the offspring of Spirit, and not of the flesh ; recog- 
nize him through spiritual, and not material laws; 
and regard him as spiritual, and not material. His 
sou ship referred to in the text, is his spiritual rela- 
tion to Deity: it is not, then, a personal gift, but is the 
order of Divine Science. The apostle urges upon our 
acceptance this great fact; "for as many as believe, to 
them gave he power to become sons of God." Mortals 
will lose their sense of mortality — disease, sickness, 
sin, and death — in the proportion that they gain 
the sense of man's spiritual pre-existence as God's 
child; as the offspring of Good, and not of God's op- 
posite, — evil, or a fallen man. 

John the Revelator had a clear discernment of Divine 
Science : being born not of the human will or flesh, he 
ante-dated his own existence, began spiritually instead 
of materially to reckon himself logically; hence the im- 
possibility of putting him to death through violent 
means or material methods. 

" As many as received him:" That is, as many as per- 
ceive man's actual existence in and of his divine Princi- 
ple, receive the truth of existence; and these have no 
other God, no other Mind, no other origin : therefore, in 
time they lose their false sense of existence, and find 



182 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

their adoption with the Father; to wit, the redemption 
of the body. Through Divine Science man gains the 
power to become the son of God, to recognize his perfect 
and eternal estate. 

" Which were born not of blood, nor of the will of 
the flesh:" This passage refers to man's primal, spirit- 
ual existence created neither from dust nor carnal de- 
sire. " Nor of the will of man:" Born of no doctrine, 
no human faith, but beholding the truth of Being ; even 
the understanding that man was never lost in Adam, 
since he is and ever was the image and likeness of God, 
Good. But no mortal hath seen the spiritual man, more 
than he hath seen the Father. The apostle indicates 
no personal plan of a personal Jehovah, partial and 
finite; but the possibility of all finding their place in 
God's great love, the eternal heritage of the Elohim, 
his sons and daughters. The text is a metaphysical 
statement of existence as Principle and idea, wherein 
man and his Maker are inseparable and eternal. 

When the Word is made fiesh, — that is, rendered 
practical, — this eternal Truth will be understood; and 
sickness, sin, and death, will yield to it, even as they 
did more than eighteen centuries ago. The lusts of the 
flesh and the pride of life will then be quenched in the 
Divine Science of Being; in the everpresent Good, 
omnipotent Love, and eternal Life, that know no death. 
In the great Forever, the verities of being exist, and 
must be acknowledged and demonstrated. Man must 
love his neighbor as himself, and the power of Truth 
must be seen and felt in health, happiness, and holiness: 
then it will be found that Mind is All-in-all, and there 
is no matter to cope with. 



BIBLE LESSONS. 183 

Man is free-born: he is neither the slave of sense, 
nor a silly ambler to the so-called pleasures and pains 
of self-conscious matter. Man is God's image and like- 
ness; whatever is possible to God, is possible to man as 
God's reflection. Through the transparency of Science 
we learn this, and receive it: learn that man can fulfil 
the Scripture? in every instance; that if he open his 
mouth it shall be filled — not by reason of the schools, 
or learning, but by the natural ability, that reflection 
already has bestowed on him, to give utterance to Truth. 

" Who hath believed our report? " Who understands 
these sayings? He to whom the arm of the Lord is re- 
vealed; to whom Divine Science unfolds Omnipotence 
that equips man with divine power, while it shames hu- 
man pride. Asserting a selfhood apart from God, is a 
denial of man's spiritual sonship; for it claims another 
father. As many as do receive a knowledge of God 
through Science, will have power to reflect His power, in 
proof of man's " dominion over all the earth." He is 
bravely brave, who dares at this date refute the evidence 
of material sense with the facts of Science, and will 
arrive at the true status of man because of it. The 
senses material would make man, that the Scriptures 
declare reflects his Maker, the very opposite of that 
Maker: by claiming that God is Spirit, while man is 
matter; that God is good, but man is evil; that Deity 
is deathless, but man dies. Science and sense conflict, 
from the revolving of worlds to the death of a sparrow. 

The Word will be made flesh and dwell among mor- 
tals, only when man reflects God in body as well as in 
mind. The child born of a woman has the formation 
of his parents; the man born of Spirit is spiritual, not 



184 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

material. Paul refers to this when speaking of ' pre- 
senting our bodies holy and acceptable, which is our 
reasonable service;' and this brings to remembrance the 
Hebrew strain, " He healeth all our diseases." 

If man should say of the power to be perfect which 
he possesses, " I am the power/' he would trespass upon 
Divine Science, yield to material sense, and lose his 
power; even as when saying, "I have the power to sin 
and be sick," and persisting in believing that he is sick 
and a sinner. If he says, " I am of God, therefore 
good," yet persists in evil, he has denied the power of 
Truth, and must suffer for this error until he learns that 
all power is good because it is of God, and so destroys his 
self-deceived sense of power in evil. The Science of 
Being gives back the lost likeness and power of God as 
the seal of man's adoption. Oh, for that light and love 
ineffable which casteth out all fear, all sin, sickness, 
and death ; that seeketh not her own, but another's good ; 
that saith Abba, Father, and is born of God! 

John came baptizing with water: he employed a type 
of physical cleanliness to foreshadow metaphysical pu- 
rity, even mortal mind purged of the animal and human, 
and submerged in the humane and Divine, giving back 
the lost sense of man in unity with, and reflecting, his 
Maker. ^N"one but the pure in heart shall see God, — 
shall be able to discern fully and demonstrate fairly the 
. divine Principle of Christian Science. The will of God, 
or power of Spirit, is made manifest as Truth, and 
through righteousness, — not as or through matter, — ■ 
and it strips matter of all claims, abilities or disabilities, 
pains or pleasures. Self-renunciation of all that con- 
stitutes a so-called material man, and the acknowledg- 



BIBLE LESSONS. 185 

merit and achievement of his spiritual identity as the 
child of God, is Science that opens the very flood-gates 
of heaven; whence good flows into every avenue of be- 
ing, cleansing mortals of all uncleanness, destroying 
all suffering, and demonstrating the true image and 
likeness. There is no other way under heaven whereby 
we can be saved, and man be clothed with might, 
majesty, and immortality. 

"As many as believe on him," as accept the Truth 
of Being, " to them gave he power to become the sons 
of God." The spiritualization of our sense of man 
opens the gates of paradise, that the so-called material 
senses would close, and reveals man infinitely blessed, 
upright, pure, and free; having no need of statistics by 
which to learn his origin and age, or to measure his man- 
hood, or to know how much of a man he ever has been: 
" For, as many as received him, to them gave he power 
to become the sons of God." 



And so it was written, The first man Adam was made a living 
soul ; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. 

1 Cor. xv. 45. 

When reasoning on this subject of Man with 
the Corinthian brethren, the apostle first spake from 
their standpoint of thought: namely, that creation is ma- 
terial: he was not at this point giving the history of 
the spiritual man who originates in God, Love, who crea- 
ted man in His own image and likeness. In the crea- 
tion of Adam from dust, — in which Soul is supposed to 
enter the embryo-man,. — after his birth, we see the ma- 
terial self-constituted belief of the Jews as referred to 



186 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

by St. Paul. Their material belief has fallen far be- 
low man's original standard, the spiritual man made in 
the image and likeness of God; for this erring belief 
even separates its conception of man from God, and 
ultimates in the opposite of immortal man, namely, in 
a sick and sinning mortal. 

We learn in the Scriptures, as in Divine Science, that 
God made all; that He is the universal Father and 
Mother of man; .that God is divine Love: therefore 
divine Love is the divine Principle of the divine idea 
named man; in other words, the spiritual Principle of 
spiritual man. Now let us not lose this Science of man, 
but gain it clearly; then we shall see that man cannot 
be separated from his perfect Principle, God, inasmuch 
as an idea cannot be torn apart from its fundamental 
basis. This Scientific knowledge affords self-evident 
proof of immortality; proof, also, that the Principle of 
man cannot produce a less perfect man than it produced 
in the beginning. A material sense of existence is not 
the scientific fact of Being; whereas, the spiritual sense 
of God and His universe is the immortal and true sense 
of Being. 

As the apostle proceeds in this line of thought, 
he undoubtedly refers to the last Adam represented 
by the Messias, whose demonstration of God restored 
to mortals the lost sense of man's perfection, even 
the sense of the real man in God's likeness, who re- 
stored this sense by the spiritual regeneration of both 
mind and body, — casting out evils, heeding the sit% and 
raising the dead. The man Jesus demonstrated over sin, 
sickness, disease, and death. The great Metaphysician 
wrought, over and above every sense of matter, into the 



BIBLE LESSONS. 187 

proper sense of the possibilities of Spirit. He estab- 
lished health and harmony, the perfection of mind and 
body, as the reality of man; while discord, as seen in 
disease and death, was to him the opposite of man, hence, 
the unreality, even as in Science a chord is manifestly 
the reality of music, and discord the unreality. This 
rule of harmony must be accepted as true relative to 
man. 

The translators of the older Scriptures pre-suppose a 
material man to be the first man, solely because their 
transcribing thoughts were not lifted to the inspired 
sense of the spiritual man, as set forth in original Holy 
Writ. Had both writers and translators in that age 
fully comprehended the later teachings and demonstra- 
tions of our human and divine blaster, the Old Testa- 
ment might have been as spiritual as the New. 

The origin, substance, and life of man are one, and 
that one is God, — Life, Truth, Love. The self -existent, 
perfect, and eternal, are God; and man is their reflec- 
tion and glory. Did the substance of God, Spirit, be- 
come a clod, in order to create a sick, sinning, dying 
man? The primal facts of Being are eternal; they are 
never extinguished in a night of discord. 

That man must be evil before he can be good ; dying, 
before deathless; material, before spiritual; sick and a 
sinner in order to be healed and saved, is but the decla- 
ration of the material senses transcribed by pagan re- 
ligionists, by wicked mortals such as crucified our 
blaster, — whose teachings opposed the doctrines of 
Christ that demonstrated the opposite, Truth. 

Man is as perfect now, and henceforth, and forever, 
as when the stars first sang together, and creation joined 



188 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

in the grand chorus of harmonious Being. It is the 
translator, not the original Word, who presents as being 
first that which appears second, material, and mortal ; and 
as last, that which is primal, spiritual, and eternal. Be- 
cause of human misstatement and misconception of God 
and man, of the divine Principle and idea of Being, 
there seems to be a war between the flesh and Spirit, a 
contest between Truth and error; but the apostle says, 
" There is therefore now no condemnation to them which 
are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but 
after the Spirit." 

On our subject, St. Paul first reasons upon the basis 
of what is seen, the effects of Truth on the material 
senses ; thence, up to the Unseen, the testimony of spirit- 
ual sense; and right there he leaves the subject. 

Just there, in the intermediate line of thought, is 
where the present writer found it, when she discovered 
Christian Science. And she has not left it, but continues 
the explanation of the power of Spirit up to its infinite 
meaning, its Allness. The recognition of this power 
came to her through a spiritual sense of the Real, and 
of the unreal or mortal sense of things; not that there 
is, or can be, an actual change in the realities of Being, 
but that we can discern more of them. At the moment 
of her Discovery, she knew that the last Adam, namely, 
the true likeness of God, was the first, the only man. 
This knowledge did become to her a quickening spirit; 
for she beheld the meaning of those words of our Mas- 
ter, " The first shall be last; and the last, first." 

"When, as little children, we are receptive, become 
willing to accept the divine Principle and rule of Being 
as unfolded in Divine Science, the interpretation there- 



BIBLE LESSONS. 189 

in will be found to be the Comforter, that leadeth into 
all Truth. 

The meek Nazarene's steadfast and true knowledge of 
pre-existence, of the nature and the inseparability of God 
and man, — made him mighty. Spiritual insight of 
Truth and Love antidotes and destroys the errors of flesh, 
and brings to light the true reflection: man as God's 
image, or " the first man/ 7 for Christ plainly declared, 
through Jesus, " Before Abraham was, I am." 

The supposition that Soul, or Mind, is breathed 
into matter, is a pantheistic doctrine that presents 
a false sense of existence, and the quickening Spirit 
takes it away: revealing in place thereof, the power 
and perfection of a released sense of Life in God 
and Life as God. The Scriptures declare Life to be 
the Infinite I AM, — not a dweller in matter. For 
man to know Life as it is, namely God, the eternal 
Good, gives him not merely a sense of existence, but 
an accompanying consciousness of spiritual power that 
subordinates matter and destroys sin, disease, and death. 
This, Jesus demonstrated; insomuch that St. Matthew 
wrote, " The people were astonished at his doctrine ; for 
he taught them as one having authority, and not as the 
scribes." This spiritual power, healing sin and sick- 
ness, was not confined to the first century; it extends to 
all time, inhabits eternity, and demonstrates Life with- 
out beginning or end. 

Atomic action is Mind, not matter. It is neither the 
energy of matter, the result of organization, nor the 
outcome of life infused into matter: it is infinite Spirit, 
Truth, Life, defiant of error or matter. Divine Sci- 
ence demonstrates Mind as dispelling a false sense and 



190 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

giving the true sense of Itself, God, and the universe; 
wherein the mortal evolves not the immortal, nor does 
the material ultimate in the spiritual; wherein man is 
co-existent with Mind, and is the recognized reflection of 
infinite Life and Love. 



And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it 
came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake. 

Luke xi. 14. 

The meaning of the term " devil " needs yet to be 
learned. Its definition as an individual is too limited 
and contradictory. When the Scripture is under- 
stood, the spiritual signification of its terms will 
be understood, and will contradict the interpretations 
that the senses give them; and these terms will be found 
to include the inspired meaning. 

It could not have been a person that our great Master 
cast out of another person; therefore the devil herein 
referred to was an impersonal evil, or whatever worketh 
ill. In this case it was the evil of dumbness, an error 
of material sense, cast out by the spiritual Truth of 
Being; namely, that speech belongs to Mind instead 
of matter, and the wrong power, or the lost sense, must 
yield to the right sense, and exist in Mind. 

In the Hebrew, " devil " is denominated Abaddon ; in 
the Greek, Apol]yon, serpent, liar, the god of this world, 
etc. The apostle Paul refers to this personality of evil 
as "the god of this world;" and then defines this god 
as " dishonesty, craftiness, handling the word of God 
deceitfully." The Hebrew embodies the term " devil " 
in another term, serpent, — which the senses are supposed 



BIBLE LESSONS. 191 

to take in, — and then defines this serpent as " more 
subtle than all the beasts of the field." Subsequently, 
the ancients changed the meaning of the term, to their 
sense, and then the serpent became a symbol of wisdom. 

The Scripture in John, sixth chapter and seventieth 
verse, refers to a wicked man as the devil : " Have not 
I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? " Ac- 
cording to the Scripture, if devil is an individuality, 
there is more than one devil. In Mark, ninth chapter 
and third verse, it reads : " Master, we saw one casting 
out devils in thy name." Here is an assertion in- 
dicating the existence of more than one devil; and 
by omitting the first letter, the name of his satanic 
majesty is found to be evils, apparent wrong traits, that 
Christ, Truth, casts out. By no possible interpretation 
can this passage mean several individuals cast out of 
another individual no bigger than themselves. The 
term being here employed in its plural number destroys 
all consistent supposition of the existence of one personal 
Devil. Again, our text refers to the devil as dumb; 
but the original of devil was a great talker, and was sup- 
posed to have out-talked even Truth, and carried 'the 
question with Eve. Also, the original texts define him 
as an " accuser," a " calumniator," which would be im- 
possible if he were speechless. These two opposite char- 
acters ascribed to him could only be possible as evil 
beliefs, as different phases of sin or disease made 
manifest. 

Let us obey St. Paul's injunction to reject fables, and 
accept the Scriptures in their broader, more spiritual 
and practical sense. When we speak of a good man, we 
do not mean that man is God because the Hebrew term 



192 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

for Deity was " Good," and vice versa; so, when refer- 
ring to a liar, we mean not that he is a personal devil, be- 
cause the original text defines devil as a " liar." 

It is of infinite importance to man's spiritual progress, 
and to his demonstration of Truth in casting out error, 
■ — sickness, sin, disease, and death, in all their forms, — 
that the terms and nature of Deity and devil be under- 
stood. 



He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do 
also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go 
unto my Father. — John xiv. 12. 

Such are the words of him who spake divinely, well 
knowing the omnipotence of Truth. The Hebrew bard 
saith, " His name shall endure forever ; his name shall 
be continued as long as the sun." Luminous with the 
light of Divine Science, his words reveal the great Prin- 
ciple of a full salvation. Neither can we question the 
practicability of the divine Word, who have learned its 
adaptability to human needs, and man's ability to prove 
the truth of prophecy. 

The fulfilment of the grand verities of Christian heal- 
ing belong to every period ; as the above scripture plainly 
declares, and as primitive Christianity confirms. Also, 
the last chapter of Mark is emphatic on this subject; 
making healing a condition of salvation, that extends to 
all ages and throughout all Christendom. Nothing 
can be more conclusive than this: "And these signs shall 
follow them that believe . . . they shall lay hands on 
the sick, and they shall recover." This declaration of 
our Master settles the question; else we are entertain- 



BIBLE LESSONS. 193 

ing the startling inquiries, Are the Scriptures inspired? 
Are the j true? Did Jesus mean what he said? 

If this be the cavil, we reply in the affirmative that 
the Scripture is true; that Jesus did mean all, and even 
more than he said or deemed it safe to say at that time. 
His words are unmistakable, for they form propositions 
of self-evident demonstrable truth. Doctrines that deny 
the substance and practicality of all Christ's teachings 
cannot be evangelical; and evangelical religion can be 
established on no other claim than the authenticity of 
the gospels, which support unequivocally the proof that 
Christian Science, as defined and practised by Jesus, 
heals the sick, casts out error, and will destroy death. 

Referring to the Church of Christ, Scientist, in Bos- 
ton, of which I am pastor, a certain clergyman charita- 
bly expressed it, " the so-called Christian Scientists." 

I am thankful even for his allusion to truth; it 
being a modification of silence on this subject, and 
also of what had been said when critics attacked me 
for supplying the word Science to Christianity, — a 
word which the people are now adopting. 

The next step for ecclesiasticism to take, is, to admit 
that all Christians are properly called Scientists, who 
follow the commands of our Lord and his Christ, Truth ; 
and that no one is following his full command without 
this enlarged sense of the spirit and power of Christian- 
ity. " He that belie veth on me, the works that I 
do shall he do," is a radical and unmistakable declara- 
tion of the right and power of Christianity to heal; 
for this is Christ-like, and includes the understanding 
of man's capabilities and spiritual power. The con- 
dition insisted upon is first, " belief; " the Hebrew of 

13 



194 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

which implies, understanding. How many to-day be- 
lieve that the power of God equals even the power of a 
drug to heal the sick! Divine Science reveals the 
Principle of this power, and the rule whereby sin, sick- 
ness, disease, and death are destroyed; and God is this 
Principle. Let us, then, seek this Science ; that we may 
know Him better, and love Him more. 

Though a man were begirt with the Urim and Thum- 
mim of priestly office, yet should deny the validity or 
permanence of Christ's command to heal in all ages, 
this denial would dishonor that office and misinterpret 
evangelical religion. Divine Science is not an interpo- 
lation of the Scriptures, but is redolent with love, health, 
and holiness, for the whole human race. It only needs 
the prism of this Science to divide the rays of Truth, 
and bring out the entire hues of Deity, which scholastic 
theology has hidden. The lens of Science magnifies the 
Divine power to human sight; and we then see the su- 
premacy of Spirit, and the nothingness of matter. 

The context of the foregoing scriptural text explains 
Jesus' words, " because I go to the Father." " Because " 
in following him, you understand God and hoio to turn 
from matter to Spirit for healing; hoiv to leave self, the 
sense material, for the sense spiritual; lioto to accept 
God's power and guidance, and become imbued with 
divine Love that casts out all fear. Then are you bap- 
tized in the Truth that destroys all error, and you re- 
ceive the sense of Life that knows no death, and you 
hnoiv that God is the only Life. 

To reach the consummate naturalness of the Life that 
is God, Good, we must comply with the first condition 
set forth in the text, namely, believe; in other words, 



BIBLE LESSONS. 195 

understand God sufficiently to exclude all faith in any 
other remedy than Christ, the Truth that antidotes 
all error. Thence will follow the absorption of all 
action, motive, -and mind, into the rules and divine Prin- 
ciple of Metaphysical Healing. 

Whosoever learns the letter of Christian Science but 
possesses not its spirit, is unable to demonstrate this 
Science; or whosoever hath the spirit without the let- 
ter, is held back by reason of the lack of understanding. 
Both the spirit and the letter are requisite; and having 
these, everyone can prove, in some degree, the validity 
of those words of the great Master, " For the Son of 
Man is come to save that which was lost." 

It has been said that " the New Testament does not 
authorize us to expect the ministry of healing at this 
period." 

We ask, What is the authority for such a conclusion, 
the premises whereof are not to be found in the Scrip- 
tures. The Master's divine logic as seen in our text, 
contradicts this inference, — these are his words : " He 
that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do 
also." That perfect syllogism of Jesus has but one 
correct premise and conclusion, and it cannot fall to 
the ground beneath the stroke of unskilled swordsmen. 
He who never unsheathed his blade to try the edge of 
truth in Christian Science, is unequal to the conflict, 
and unfit to judge in the case; the shepherd's sling 
would slay this Goliath. I once believed that the 
practice and teachings of Jesus relative to healing 
the sick, were spiritual abstractions, impractical and 
impossible to us; but deed, not creed, and practice more 
than theory, have given me a higher sense of Chris- 
tianity. 



196 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

The " I " will " go to the Father " when meekness, 
purity, and love, informed by Divine Science, the Com- 
forter, lead to the one God: then, the ego is found not 
in matter but in Mind, for there is but one God, one 
Mind; and man will then claim no mind apart from God. 
Idolatry, the supposition of the existence of many minds 
and more than one God, has repeated itself in all manner 
of subtleties through the entire centuries, saying as in 
the beginning, " Believe in me, and I will make you as 
gods;" that is, I will give you a separate mind from God 
(Good), named evil; and this so-called mind shall open 
your eyes and make you know evil, and thus become 
material, sensual, evil. But bear in mind that a 
serpent said that; therefore that saying came not from 
Mind, Good, or Truth. God was not the author of it; 
hence the words of our Master; " You are a liar, and the 
father of it;" also, the character of the votaries to " other 
gods " which sprung from it. 

The sweet, sacred sense and permanence of man's 
unity with his Maker, in Science, illumines our present 
existence with the everpresence and power of God, 
Good. It opens wide the portals of salvation from sin, 
sickness, and death. When the Life that is God, Good, 
shall appear, " we shall be like unto Him;" we shall do 
the works of Christ, and, in the words of David, " The 
stone which the builders rejected, the same has become 
the head of the corner," because the " I " does " go unto 
the Father," the ego does arise to spiritual recognition 
of Being, and is exalted, — not through death, but Life, 
God understood. 



BIBLE LESSONS. 197 



Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved. 

Acts xvi. 31. 

The Scriptures require more than a simple admission 
and feeble acceptance of the truths they present; they 
require a living faith that so incorporates their lessons 
into our lives, that these truths become the motive-power 
of every act. 

Our chosen text is one more frequently used than 
many others, perhaps, to exhort people to turn from sin 
and to strive after holiness; but we fear the full import 
of this text is not yet recognized. It means a full salva- 
tion, — man saved from sin, sickness, and death ; for, 
unless this be so, no man can be wholly fitted for heaven 
in the way which Jesus marked out and bade his fol- 
lowers pursue. 

In order to comprehend the meaning of the text, let 
us see what it is to believe. It means more than an 
opinion entertained concerning Jesus as a man, as the 
Son of God, or as God; such an action of mind would 
be of no more help to save from sin, than would a belief 
in any historical event or person. But it does mean 
so to understand the beauty of holiness, the character 
and divinity which Jesus presented in his power to heal 
and to save, that it will compel us to pattern after both ; 
in other words, to " Let this Mind be in you which was 
also in Christ Jesus." (Phil. ii. 5.) 

Mortal man believes in, but does not understand life 
in, Christ. He believes there is another power or in- 
telligence that rules over a kingdom of its own, that 
is both good and evil; yea, that is divided against itself, 
and therefore cannot stand. This belief breaks the 
first commandment of God. 



198 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

Let man abjure a theory that is in opposition to God, 
recognize God as omnipotent, having all power; and, 
placing his trust in this grand Truth, and working from 
no other Principle, he can neither be sick, nor forever 
a sinner. When wholly governed by the one perfect 
Mind, man has no sinful thoughts and will have no 
desire to sin. 

To arrive at this point of unity of Spirit, God, one 
must commence by turning away from material gods; 
denying material so-called laws, and material sensation, 
— or mind in matter, in its varied forms of pleasure and 
pain. This must be done with the understanding that 
matter has no sense; thus it is that consciousness silences 
the mortal claim to life, substance, or mind in matter, 
with the words of Jesus : " When he speaketh a lie, he 
speaketh of his own." (John viii. 44.) 

When tempted to sin, we should know that evil 
proceedeth not from God, Good, but is a false belief of 
the personal senses ; and if we deny the claims, of these 
senses and recognize man as governed by God, Spirit, 
not by material laws, the temptation will disappear. 

On this Principle, disease also is treated and healed. 
We know that man's body, as matter, has no power to 
govern itself; and a belief of disease is as much the 
product of mortal thought as sin is. All suffering is 
the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of both good and 
evil; of adherence to the " doubleminded " senses, to 
some belief, fear, theory, or bad deed, based on physical 
material law, so-called, as opposed to good, — all of which 
is corrected alone by Science, divine Principle, and its 
spiritual laws. Suffering is the supposition of another 
intelligence than God; a belief in self -existent evil, op- 



BIBLE LESSONS. 199 

posed to good; and in whatever seems to punish man for 
doing good, — by saying, he has overworked, suffered 
from inclement weather, or violated a law of matter in 
doing good, therefore he must suffer for it. 

God does not reward benevolence and love with 
penalties; and because of this, we have the right to deny 
the supposed power of matter to do it, and to allege 
that only mortal, erring mind can claim to do thus, and 
dignify the result with the name of law: thence comes 
man's ability to annul his own erring mental law, and 
to hold himself amenable only to moral and spiritual 
law, — God's government. By so doing, male and 
female come into their rightful heritage, " into the 
glorious liberty of the children of God." 



Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in 
necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake. 

2 Cor. xii. 10. 

The miracles recorded in the Scriptures, illustrate 
the life of Jesus as nothing else can; but they cost 
him the hatred of the rabbis. The rulers sought 
the life of Jesus ; they would extinguish whatever denied 
and defied their superstition. We learn somewhat of 
the qualities of the divine Mind, through the human 
Jesus. The power of his transcendent goodness, is man- 
ifest in the control it gave him over the qualities opposed 
to Spirit, which mortals name matter. 

The Principle of these marvellous works is Divine; 
but the actor was human. This divine Principle is dis- 
cerned in Christian Science, as we advance in the 
spiritual understanding that all Substance, Life, and 



200 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

Intelligence, are God. The so-called miracles con- 
tained in Holy Writ are neither supernatural nor preter- 
natural; for God is Good, and goodness is more natural 
than evil. The marvellous healing-power of goodness 
is the outflowing life of Christianity, and it characterized 
and dated the Christian era. 

It was the consummate naturalness of Truth in the 
mind of Jesus, that made his healing easy and instan- 
taneous. Jesus regarded good as the normal state of 
man, and evil as the abnormal; holiness, Life, and 
health, as the better representatives of God, than sin, dis- 
ease, and death. The Master-Metaphysician understood 
Omnipotence to be all-power: because Spirit was to him 
All-in-all, matter was palpably an error of premise and 
conclusion, while God was the only Substance, Life, 
and Intelligence of man. 

The apostle Paul insists on the rare rule in Christian 
Science that we have chosen for a text; a rule that is 
susceptible of proof, and is applicable to every stage and 
state of human existence. The Divine Science of this 
rule is quite as remote from the general comprehension 
of mankind, as are the so-called miracles of our Mas- 
ter; and for the sole reason that it is their basis. The 
foundation-facts of Christian Science are gathered from 
the supremacy of spiritual law, and its antagonism to 
every supposed material law. Christians to-day should 
be able to say with the sweet sincerity of the apostle, 
" I take pleasure in infirmities " — I enjoy the touch of 
weakness, pain, and all suffering of the flesh, because 
it compels me to seek the remedy for it, and to find 
happiness, apart from the personal senses. The holy 
calm of Paul's well-tried hope, met no obstacle or cir- 



BIBLE LESSONS. 201 

cumstances paramount to the triumph of a reasonable 
faith in the omnipotence of Good, involved in its divine 
Principle, God: the so-called pains and pleasures of 
matter were alike unreal to Jesus; for he regarded 
matter as only a vagary of mortal belief, and subdued 
it with this understanding. 

The abstract statement that all is Mind, supports the 
entire wisdom of the text; and this statement receives 
the mortal scoff only because it meets the immortal 
demands of Truth. The Science of Paul's declaration 
resolves the element misnamed matter into its original 
sin, or human will; that will which would oppose bring- 
ing the qualities of Spirit into subjection to Spirit. 
Sin brought death; and death is an element of matter, 
or material falsity, never of Spirit. 

When Jesus reproduced his body after its burial, he 
revealed the myth or material falsity of evil; its power- 
lessness to destroy good, and the omnipotence of the 
Mind that knows this: he also showed forth the error 
and nothingness of supposed life in matter, and the great 
Somethingness of the good we possess, which is of Spirit, 
and immortal. 

Understanding this, Paul took pleasure in infirmities, 
for it enabled him to triumph over them, — he declared 
that " The law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has 
made me free from the law of sin and death;" he took 
pleasure in " reproaches " and " persecutions," because 
they were so many proofs that he had - wrought the 
problem of Being beyond the common apprehension of 
sinners; he took pleasure in "necessities," for they 
tested and developed latent power. 

We protect our dwellings more securely after a rob- 



202 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

bery, and our jewels have been stolen; so, after losing 
those jewels of character, — temperance, virtue, and 
truth, — the young man is awakened to bar his door 
against further robberies. 

Go to the bedside of pain, and there you can demon- 
strate the triumph of good that has pleasure in in- 
firmities; because it illustrates through the flesh the 
divine power of Spirit, and reaches the basis of all sup- 
posed miracles; whereby the sweet harmonies of Chris- 
tian Science are found to correct the discords of sense, 
and to lift man's being into the sunlight of Soul. 

"The chamber where the good man meets his fate 
Is privileged beyond the walks of common life, 
Quite on the verge of Heaven." 



CHAPTER VII. 

POND AND PURPOSE. 

BELOVED STUDENTS : In thanking you for your 
gift of the pretty pond contributed to Pleasant 
View, in Concord, New Hampshire, I make no 
distinction between my students and your stu- 
dents ; for here, thine becomes mine through gratitude 
and affection. 

From my tower window, as I look on this smile of 
Christian Science, this gift from my students and their 
students, it will always mirror their love, loyalty, and 
good works. Solomon saith, " As in water face answer- 
eth to face, so the heart of man to man." 

The waters that run among the valleys, and that you 
have coaxed in their course to call on me, have served 
the imagination for centuries. Theology religiously 
bathes in water ; medicine applies it physically, hydrol- 
ogy handles it with so-called science, and metaphysics 
appropriates it topically as type and shadow. Meta- 
physically, baptism serves to rebuke the senses and 
illustrate Christian Science. 

First : The baptism of repentance is indeed a stricken 
state of human consciousness, wherein mortals gain 
severe views of themselves. A state of mind which 
rends the veil that hides mental deformity. Tears flood 



204 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

the eyes, agony struggles, pride rebels ; and a mortal 
seems a monster, a dark impenetrable cloud, of error, 
and falling on the bended knee of prayer, humble 
before God, he cries, " Save, or I perish." Thus Truth, 
searching the heart, neutralizes and destroys error. 

This mental period is sometimes chronic, but oftener 
acute. It is attended throughout with doubt, hope, 
sorrow, joy, defeat, and triumph. When the good fight 
is fought, error yields up its weapons and kisses the feet 
of Love, while white-winged peace sings to the heart a 
song of angels. 

Secondly: The baptism of the Holy Ghost is the 
spirit of Truth cleansing from all sin ; giving mortals new 
motives, new purposes, new affections, all pointing up- 
ward. This mental condition settles into strength, 
freedom, deep-toned faith in God ; and a marked loss 
of faith in evil, in human wisdom, human policy, ways, 
and means. It develops individual capacity, increases 
the intellectual activities, and so quickens moral sensi- 
bility that the great demands of spiritual sense are 
recognized, and they rebuke the material senses, hold- 
ing sway over human consciousness. 

By purifying human thought, this state of mind per- 
meates with increased harmony all the minutiae of human 
affairs. It brings with it wonderful foresight, wisdom, 
and power ; it unselfs the mortal purpose, gives steadi- 
ness to resolve, and success to endeavor. Through the 
accession of spirituality, God, the Divine Principle of 
Christian Science, literally governs the aims, ambition, 
and acts of the Scientist. The Divine ruling gives 
prudence and energy ; it banishes forever all envy, 
rivalry, evil thinking, evil speaking and acting; and 



POND AND PURPOSE. 205 

mortal mind thus purged, obtains peace and power out- 
side of itself. 

This practical Christian Science is the divine Mind, 
the incorporeal Truth and Love shining through the 
mists of materiality, and melting away the shadows 
called sin, disease, and death. 

In mortal experience, the fire of repentance first sepa- 
rates the dross from the gold, and reformation brings 
the light which dispels darkness. Thus the operation 
of the Spirit of Truth and Love on the human thought, 
in the words of St. John, " shall take of mine and show 
it unto you." 

Thirdly : The baptism of Spirit, or final immersion of 
human consciousness in the infinite ocean of Love, is 
the last scene in corporeal sense. This omnipotent act 
drops the curtain on material man and mortality. 
After this, man's identity or consciousness reflects 
only Spirit, Good, whose visible Being is invisible to 
the physical senses : eye hath not seen it, inasmuch 
as it is the disembodied individual Spirit-substance and 
consciousness, termed, in Christian metaphysics, the 
ideal man — forever permeated with eternal Life, holi- 
ness, Heaven. This order of Science is the chain of 
ages which maintain their obvious correspondence, and 
unites all periods in the divine design. Mortal man's 
repentance and absolute abandonment of sin, finally 
dissolves all supposed material life or physical sensa- 
tion, and the corporeal or mortal man disappears for- 
ever. The encumbering mortal molecules, called man, 
vanish as a dream ; but man born of the great Forever, 
lives on, God-crowned and blest. 

Mortals who on the shores of time learn Christian 



206 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

Science, and live what they learn, take rapid transit to 
Heaven, — the hinge on which have turned all revolu- 
tions natural, civil, or religious, the former being ser- 
vant to the latter, — from flux to permanence, from foul 
to pure, from torpid to serene, from extremes to inter- 
mediate. Above the waves of Jordan dashing against 
the receding shore, is heard the Father and Mother's 
welcome, saying forever to the baptized of Spirit : " This 
is my beloved son." What but Divine Science can in- 
terpret man's eternal existence, God's allness and the 
scientific indestructibility of the universe ? 

The advancing stages of Christian Science are gained 
through growth, not accretion ; idleness is the foe of 
progress. And scientific growth manifests no weak- 
ness, no emasculation, no illusive vision, no dreamy ab- 
sentness, no insubordination to the laws that be, no loss 
nor lack of what constitutes true manhood. 

Growth is governed by Intelligence ; by the active, 
all-wise, law-creating, law-disciplining, law-abiding Prin- 
ciple, God. The real Christian Scientist is constantly 
accentuating harmony in word and deed, mentally and 
orally, perpetually repeating this diapason of heaven : 
" Good is my God, and my God is Good. Love is my 
God, and my God is Love." 

Beloved students, you have entered the path. Press 
patiently on ; God is Good, and Good is the reward of 
all who diligently seek God. Your growth will be 
rapid, if you love Good supremely, and understand and 
obey the way shower, who, going before you, has scaled 
the steep ascent of Christian Science, stands upon the 
mount of Holiness, the dwelling place of our God, and 
bathes in the baptismal font of eternal Love. 



POND AND PUKPOSE. 207 

As you journey, and betimes sigh for rest " beside 
still waters," ponder this lesson of love. Learn its pur- 
pose ; and in hope and faith, where heart meets heart 
reciprocally blest, drink with me the living waters of the 
spirit of my life-purpose, — to impress humanity with 
the genuine recognition of practical, operative Christian 
Science. 



CHAPTER Till. 

PRECEPT UPON PRECEPT. 

"THY WILL BE DONE." 

THIS is the law of Truth to error, " Thou shalt 
surely die." This law is a divine energy. Mor- 
tals cannot prevent the fulfilment of this law ; it 
covers all sin and its effects. God is all, and by virtue 
of this nature and allness He is cognizant only of good. 
Like a legislative bill that governs millions of mortals 
whom the legislators know not, the universal law of 
God has no knowledge of evil, and enters unconsciously 
the human heart and governs it. 

Mortals have only to submit to the law of God, come 
into sympathy with it, and to let His will be done. This 
unbroken motion of the law of divine Love gives, to the 
weary and heavy-laden, rest. But who is willing to do 
His will or to let it be done ? Mortals obey their own 
wills, and so disobey the Divine order. 

All states and stages of human error are met and 
mastered by divine Truth's negativing error in the way 
of God's appointing. Those " whom the Lord loveth he 
chasteneth." His rod brings to view His love, and inter- 
prets to mortals the gospel of healing. David Said, 
" Before I was afflicted I went astray ; but now have I 
kept Thy word." He who knows the end from the be- 



"THY WILL BE DONE." ■ 209 

ginning, attaches to sin due penalties as its antidotes and 
remedies. 

Who art thou, vain mortal, that usurpest the preroga- 
tive of Divine wisdom, and wouldst teach God not to pun- 
ish sin? that wouldst shut the mouth of His prophets, 
and cry, " Peace, peace," when there is no peace, — yea, 
that ' ; healest the wounds of my people slightly " ? 

The Principle of divine Science being Love, the di- 
vine rule of this Principle demonstrates Love, and 
proves that human belief fulfils the law of belief, and 
dies of its own physics. Metaphysics also demonstrates 
this Principle of cure when sin is self-destroyed. Short- 
sighted physics admit the so-called pains of matter, that 
destroy its more dangerous pleasures. 

Insomnia compels mortals to learn that neither obliv- 
ion nor dreams can recuperate the life of man, whose 
Life is God, for God neither slumbers nor sleeps. The 
loss of gustatory enjoyment and the ills of indigestion 
tend to rebuke appetite and destroy the peace of a false 
sense. False pleasure will be, is, chastened ; it has no 
right to be at peace. To suffer for having other gods 
before Me, is divinely wise. Evil passions die in their 
own flames, but are punished before extinguished. Peace 
has no foothold on the false basis that evil should be 
concealed and that life and happiness should still at- 
tend it. Joy is self-sustained ; goodness and blessed- 
ness are one : suffering is self-inflicted, and good is the 
master of evil. 

To this scientific logic and the logic of events, egotism 
and false charity say, " ' Not so, Lord ; ' it is wise to 
cover iniquity and punish it not, then shall mortals have 
peace." Divine Love, as unconscious as incapable of 

U 



210 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

error, pursues the evil that hideth itself, strips off its 
disguises, and — behold the result : evil, uncovered, is 
self-destroyed. 

Christian Science never healed a patient without prov- 
ing with mathematical certainty, that error, when found 
out, is two-thirds destroyed, and the remaining third 
kills itself. Do men whine over a nest of serpents, and 
post around it placards warning people not to stir up 
these reptiles because they have stings ? Christ said, 
u Handle serpents," and, " Be wise as a serpent and 
harmless as a dove." The wisdom of a serpent is to 
hide itself. The wisdom of God, as revealed in Chris- 
tian Science brings the serpent out of his hole, handles 
it, and takes away its sting. Good deeds are harmless. 
He who has faith in woman's special adaptability to lead 
on Christian Science, will not be shocked when she 
puts her foot on the head of the serpent, as it biteth at 
the heel. 

Intemperance begets a belief of disordered brains, 
membranes, stomach, and nerves ; and this belief serves 
to uncover and kill this lurking serpent, intemperance, 
that hides itself under the false pretence of human need, 
innocent enjoyment, and a medical prescription. The be- 
lief in venereal diseases tears the black mask from the 
shameless brow of licentiousness, torments its victim, 
and thus may save him from his destroyer. 

Charity has the courage of conviction ; it may suffer 
long, but has neither the cowardice nor thefoolhardiness 
to cover iniquity. Charity is Love ; and Love opens 
the eyes of the blind, rebukes error, and casts it out. 
Charity never flees before error, lest it should suffer 
from an encounter. Love your enemies, or you will not 



"THY WILL BE DONE." 211 

lose them ; and if you love them, you will help to reform 
them. 

Christ points the way of salvation. His mode is not 
cowardly, uncharitable, nor unwise, but it teaches mor- 
tals to handle serpents and cast out evil. Our own 
vision must be clear to open the eyes of others, else the 
blind will lead the blind and both shall fall. The sickly 
charity that supplies criminals with bouquets has been 
dealt with summarily by the good judgment of people in 
the old Bay State. Inhuman medical bills, class legis- 
lation, and Salem witchcraft, are not indigenous to her 
soil. 

" Out of the depths have I delivered thee." The 
drowning man just rescued from the merciless wave is 
unconscious of suffering. Why, then, do you break his 
peace and cause him to suffer in coming to life ? Be- 
cause you wish to save him from death. Then, if a crim- 
inal is at peace, is he not to be pitied and brought back 
to life ? Or, are you afraid to do this lest he suffer, 
trample on your pearls of thought, and turn on you and 
rend you ? Cowardice is selfishness. When one pro- 
tects himself at his neighbor's cost, let him remember, 
" He that would save his life shall lose it." He risks 
nothing who obeys the law of God, and shall find the 
life that cannot be lost. 

Our Master said, " Ye shall indeed drink of my cup." 
Jesus stormed sin in its citadels and kept peace with 
God. He drank this cup giving thanks, and he said to 
his followers, " Drink ye all of it " ; drink it all, and let 
all drink of it. He lived the spirit of his prayer, — 
" Thy kingdom come." Shall we repeat our Lord's 
Prayer when the heart denies it, refuses to bear the 



212 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

cross and to fulfil the conditions of our petition? 
Human policy is a fool that saith in his heart, " No 
God " — a caressing Judas that betrays you, and com- 
mits suicide. This Godless policy never knows what 
happiness is, and how it is obtained. 

Jesus did his work and left his glorious career for our 
example. On the shore of Gennesaret he tersely re- 
minded his students of their worldly policy. They had 
suffered, and seen their error. This experience caused 
them to remember the reiterated warning of their Mas- 
ter and " cast their nets on the right side." When they 
were fit to be blest, they received the blessing. The 
ultimatum of their human sense of ways and means 
ought to silence ours. One step away from the direct 
line of divine Science cost them — what ? A speedy re- 
turn under the reign of difficulties, darkness, and unre- 
quited toil. 

The currents of human nature rush in against the 
right course ; health, happiness, and life, flow not into 
one of their channels. The law of Love saith, " Thy 
will, not mine be done," and Christian Science proves 
that human will is lost in the divine ; and Love, the 
white Christ, is the remunerator. 

If, consciously or unconsciously, one is at work in a 
wrong direction, who will step forward and open his 
eyes to see this error ? He who is a Christian Scientist, 
who has cast the beam out of his own eye, speaks plainly 
to the offender and tries to show his errors to him before 
letting another know it. 

Pitying friends took down from the cross the fainting 
form of Jesus, and buried it out of their sight. His dis- 
ciples who had not yet drunk of his cup, lost sight of 



213 

Him ; they could not behold his immortal being in the 
form of Godlikeness. 

All that I have written, taught, or lived, that is good, 
flowed through cross-bearing, self-forgetfulness, and my 
faith in the right. Suffering or Science, or both, in the 
proportion that their instructions are assimilated, will 
point the way, shorten the process, and consummate the 
joys of acquiescence in the methods of divine Love. 
The scripture saith, " He that covereth iniquity shall 
not prosper." No risk is so stupendous as to neglect 
opportunities which God giveth, and not to forewarn 
and forearm our fellow mortals against the evil which, if 
seen, can be destroyed. 

Maj T my friends and my enemies so profit by these 
way -marks, that what has chastened and illumined 
another's way, may perfect their own lives by gentle 
benedictions. In every age, the pioneer reformer must 
pass through a baptism of fire. But the faithful adher- 
ents of Truth have gone on rejoicing. Christian Science 
gives a fearless wing and firm foundation. These are 
its inspiring tones from the lips of our Master, " My 
sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow 
me : and I give unto them eternal life ; and they shall 
never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of 
my hand." He is but " an hireling " who fleeth when 
he seeth the wolf coming. 

Loyal Christian Scientists, be of good cheer : the night 
is far spent, the day dawns ; God's universal kingdom 
will appear, Love will reign in every heart, and His will 
be done on earth as in heaven. 



214 MISCELLANEOUS WEITLNGS. 



"PUT UP THY SWORD." 

While Jesus' life was full of Love, and a demonstra- 
tion of Love, it appeared hate to the carnal mind, or 
mortal thought, of his time. He said, " Think not that 
I am come to send peace on earth : I came not to send 
peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at 
variance against his father, and the daughter against 
her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother- 
in-law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own 
household." 

This action of Jesus was stimulated by the same love 
that closed — to the senses — that wondrous life, and 
that summed up its demonstration in the command, 
"Put up thy sword." The very conflict his Truth 
brought, in accomplishing its purpose of Love, meant, 
all the way through, " Put up thy sword," but the sword 
must have been drawn before it could be returned into 
the scabbard. 

My students need to search the Scriptures and 
Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, to 
understand the personal Jesus' labor in the flesh for 
their salvation : they need to do this to even understand 
my works, their motives, aims, and tendency. 

The attitude of mortal mind in being healed morally, 
is the same as its attitude physically. The Christian 
Scientist cannot heal the sick, and take error along with 
Truth, either in the recognition or approbation of it. 
This would prevent the possibility of destroying the 
tares : they must be separated from the wheat before 
they can be burned, and Jesus foretold the harvest hour 



"PUT UP THY SWORD." 215 

and the final destruction of error through this very pro- 
cess, — the sifting and the fire. The tendency of mortal 
mind is to go from one extreme to another : Truth comes 
into the intermediate space, saying, " I wound to heal ; 
I punish to reform ; I do it all in Love ; my peace I leave 
with thee : not as the world giveth give I unto thee. 
Arise, let us go hence ; let us depart from the material 
sense of God's ways and means, and gain a spiritual 
understanding of them." 

But let us not seek to climb up some other way, as we 
shall do if we take the end for the beginning or start 
from wrong motives. Christian Science demands order 
and Truth. To abide by these we must first understand 
the Principle and object of our work, and be clear that 
it is Love, peace, and good will toward man. Then we 
shall demonstrate the Principle in the way of his 
appointment, and not according to the infantile concep- 
tion of our way ; as when a child in sleep walks on the 
summit of the roof of the house because he is a som- 
nambulist, and thinks he is where he is not, and would 
fall immediately if he knew where he was, and what he 
was doing. 

My students are at the beginning of their demonstra- 
tion ; they have a long warfare with error in themselves 
and in others to finish, and they must at this stage use 
the sword of Spirit. 

They cannot in the beginning take the attitude, nor 
adopt the words, that Jesus used at the end of his 
demonstration. 

If you would follow in his footsteps, you must not try 
to gather the harvest while the corn is in the blade, nor 
yet when it is in the ear ; a wise spiritual discernment 



216 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

must be used in your application of his words and infer- 
ence from his acts, to guide your own state of com- 
bat with error. u There remaineth" it is true, " a 
Sabbath rest for the people of God ; " but we must first 
have done our work, and entered into our rest, as the 
Scriptures give example. 



SCIENTIFIC THEISM. 

In the May number of our Journal, there appeared a 
review of, and some extracts from, Scientific Theism, by 
Phare Pleigh. 

Now, Phare Pleigh evidently means more than " hands 
off." A live lexicographer given to the Anglo-Saxon 
tongue, might add to the above definition the " laying on 
of hands," as well. Whatever his nom de plume means, 
an acquaintance with the author justifies one in the con- 
clusion that he is a power in criticism, a big protest 
against injustice ; but, the best may be mistaken. 

One of these extracts is the story of the Cheshire Cat, 
which " vanished quite slowly, beginning with the end 
of the tail, and ending with the grin, which remained 
some time after the rest of it had gone." Was this a 
witty or a happy hit at Idealism, to illustrate the author's 
following point ? — 

" When philosophy becomes fairy-land, in which 
neither laws of nature nor the laws of reason hold 
good, the attempt of phenomenism to conceive the 
universe as a phenomenon without a noumenon may 
succeed, but not before ; for it is an attempt to con« 
ceive a grin without a cat." 



SCIENTIFIC THEISM. 217 

True Idealism is a Divine Science, which combines in 
logical sequence, nature, reason, and revelation. An 
effect without a cause is inconceivable ; neither philoso- 
phy nor reason attempts to find one ; but all should con- 
ceive and understand that Spirit cannot become less 
than Spirit ; hence that the universe of God is spiritual, 
— even the ideal world whose Cause is the self-created 
Principle, with which its ideal or phenomenon must cor- 
respond in quality and quantity. 

The fallacy of an unscientific statement is this : that 
matter and Spirit are one and eternal ; or, that the 
phenomenon of Spirit is the antipode of Spirit, namely, 
matter. Nature declares, throughout the mineral, vege- 
table, and animal kingdoms, that the specific nature of 
all things is unchanged, and that nature is constituted 
of and by Spirit. 

Sensuous and material realistic views pre-suppose that 
nature is matter, and that Deity is a finite person con- 
taining infinite Mind ; and that these opposites, in sup- 
positional unity and personality, produce matter, — a 
third quality unlike God : again, that matter is both 
Cause and effect, but that the effect is antagonistic to its 
cause ; that death is at war with Life, evil with Good, — 
and man a rebel against his Maker. This is neither 
Science nor Theism. According to Holy Writ, it is a 
kingdom divided against itself, that shall be brought to 
desolation. 

The nature of God must change in order to become 
matter, or to become both finite and infinite ; and matter 
must disappear, for Spirit to appear. To the material 
sense, everything is matter ; but spiritualize human 
thought, and our convictions change : for spiritual sense 



218 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

takes in new views, in which Nature becomes Spirit ; and 
Spirit is God, and God is Good. Science unfolds the 
fact that Deity was forever Mind, Spirit ; that matter 
never produced Mind, and vice versa. 

The visible universe declares the invisible, only by re- 
version ; as error declares Truth. The testimony of 
material sense in relation to existence is false ; for mat- 
ter can neither see, hear, nor feel, and mortal mind must 
change all its conceptions of Life, Substance, and Intelli- 
gence, before it can reach the immortality of Mind and 
its ideas. It is erroneous to accept the evidence of the 
material senses whence to reason out God, when it is 
conceded that the five personal senses can take no cog- 
nizance of Spirit or of its phenomena. False realistic 
views sap the Science of Principle and idea ; they make 
Deity unreal and inconceivable, either as mind or mat- 
ter ; but Truth comes to the rescue of reason and im- 
mortality, and unfolds the real nature of God and the 
universe to the spiritual sense, which beareth witness 
of things spiritual, and not material. 

To begin with, the notion of Spirit as Cause and end, 
with matter as its effect, is more ridiculous than the 
" grin without a cat ; " for a grin expresses the nature 
of a cat, and this nature may linger in memory : but 
matter does not express the nature of Spirit, and mat- 
ter's graven grins are neither eliminated nor retained by 

Spirit. What can illustrate Dr. 's views better than 

Pat's echo, when he said " How do you do ? " and echo 
answered " Pretty well, I thank you ! " 

Dr. says : — 

" The recognition of Teleology in Nature is necessarily 
the recognition of purely spiritual personality in God." 



MENTAL PRACTICE. 219 

According to lexicography, Teleology is the Science of 
the final Cause of things ; and Divine Science (and all 
Science is divine) neither reveals God in matter, Cause 
in effect, nor teaches that Nature and her laws are the 
material universe, or that the personality of Infinite 
Spirit is finite or material. Jesus said, " Ye do err, not 
knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God." Now, 
what saith the Scripture ? " God is a Spirit ; and they 
that worship him must worship him in spirit and in 
truth." 

MENTAL PRACTICE. 

It is admitted that mortals think wickedly and act 
wickedly : it is beginning to be seen by thinkers, that 
mortals think also after a sickly fashion. In common 
parlance, one person feels sick, another feels wicked. A 
third person knows that if he would remove this feeling 
in either case, in the one, he must change his patient's 
consciousness of dis-ease and suffering, to a conscious- 
ness of ease and loss of suffering ; while in the other, 
he must change the patient's sense of sinning at ease, to 
a sense of discomfort in sin, and peace in goodness. 

This is Christian Science : that mortal mind makes 
sick, and Immortal Mind makes well ; that mortal mind 
makes sinners, while Immortal Mind makes saints ; that 
a state of health is but a state of consciousness made 
manifest on the body, and vice versa ; that while one 
person feels wickedly and acts wickedly, another knows 
that if he can change this evil sense and consciousness 
to a good sense, or conscious goodness, the fruits of 
goodness will follow, and he has reformed the sinner. 



220 MISCELLANEOUS WEITINGS. 

Now, demonstrate this rule, which obtains in every 
line of mental healing, and you will find that a good 
rule works one way, and a false rule the opposite way. 

Let us suppose that there is a sick person whom an- 
other would lieal mentally. The healer begins by men- 
tal argument. He mentally says, " You are well, and 
you know it ; " and he supports this silent mental force 
by audible explanation, attestation, and precedent. His 
mental and oral arguments aim to refute the sick man's 
thoughts, words, and actions, in certain directions, and 
turn them into channels of Truth. He persists in this 
course until the patient's mind yields, and the harmoni- 
ous thought has the full control over this mind on the 
point at issue. The end is attained, and the patient says 
and feels, " I am well, and I know it." 

This mental practitioner has changed his patient's 
consciousness from sickness to health. The patient's 
mental state is now the diametrical opposite of what it 
was when the mental practitioner undertook to transform 
it, and he is improved morally and physically. 

That this mental method has power and bears fruit, 
is patent both to the conscientious Christian Scientist 
and the observer. Both should understand with equal 
clearness, that, if this mental process and power be 
reversed, and people believe that a man is sick and 
knows it, and speak of him as being sick, put it into 
the minds of others that he is sick, publish it in the news- 
papers, that he is failing, — and persist in this action of 
mind over mind, — it follows that he will believe that 
he is sick; and Jesus said it would be according to 
the woman's belief ; but if with the certainty of Science 
he knows that an error of belief has not the power of 



MENTAL PRACTICE. 221 

Truth, and cannot, does not, produce the slightest effect, 
it has no power over him. 

The Scientist is even helped by a false mental argu- 
ment ; for it gives him opportunity to handle the error, 
and when mastering it he gains in the rules of Meta- 
physics, and thereby learns more of its divine Principle. 
Error produces physical sufferings, and these sufferings 
show the fundamental Principle of Christian Science ; 
namely, that error and sickness are one, and Truth is 
their remedy. 

The evil-doer can do little at removing the effect of 
sin on himself, unless he believes that sin has produced 
the effect, and knows he is a sinner; or, knowing that 
he is a sinner, if he denies it, the good effect is lost. 
Either of these states of mind will stultify the power to 
heal mentally. This accounts for many helpless mental 
practitioners and mysterious diseases. 

Again : If error is the cause of disease, Truth being 
the cure, denial of this fact in one instance and acknow- 
ledgment of it in another, saps one's understanding of 
the Science of Mind-healing. Such denial dethrones 
demonstration, baffles the student of Mind-healing, and 
divorces his work from Science. Such denial also con- 
tradicts the doctrine that we must mentally struggle 
against both evil and disease, and is like saying that 
five times ten are fifty while ten times five are not fifty ; 
as if the multiplication of the same two numbers would 
not yield the same product whichever might serve as the 
multiplicand. 

Who would tell another of a crime that he himself is 
committing, or call public attention to that crime ? The 
belief in evil' and in the process of evil, holds the issues 



222 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

of death to the evil-doer. It takes away a man's proper 
sense of good, and gives him a false sense of both evil 
and good. It inflames envy, passion, evil-speaking, and 
strife. It reverses Christian Science in all things. It 
causes the victim to believe that he is advancing while 
injuring himself and others. This state of false con- 
sciousness in many cases causes the victim great physical 
suffering ; and conviction of his wrong state of feeling 
reforms him, and so- heals him : or, failing of conviction 
and reform, he becomes morally paralyzed — in other 
words, a moral idiot. 

In this state of misled consciousness, one is ready to 
listen complacently to audible falsehoods that once he 
would have resisted and loathed ; and this, because the 
false seems true. The malicious mental argument and 
its action on the mind of the perpetrator, is fatal, 
morally and physically. From the effects of mental 
malpractice, the subject scarcely awakes in time, and 
must suffer its full penalty after death. This sin against 
Divine Science is cancelled only through human agony : 
the measure it has meted must be re-measured to it. 

The crimes committed under this new regime of mind- 
power, when brought to light, will make stout hearts 
quail. Its mystery protects it now, for it is not yet 
known. Error is more abstract than Truth. Even the 
healing Principle, whose power seems inexplicable, is 
not so obscure ; for this is the power of God, and good 
should seem more natural than evil. 

I shall not forget the cost of investigating, for this 
age, the methods and power of error. While the ways, 
means, and potency of Truth had flowed into my con- 
sciousness as easily as dawns the morning light, and 



TAKING OFFENCE. 223 

shadows flee, the metaphysical mystery of error — its 
hidden paths, purpose, and fruits — at first defied me. 
I was saying all the time, " Come not thou into the 
secret " — but at length took up the research according 
to God's command. 

Streams which purify, necessarily have pure foun- 
tains ; while impure streams flow from corrupt sources. 
Here, divine light, logic, and revelation coincide. 

Science proves, beyond cavil, that the tree is known 
by its fruit ; that mind reaches its own ideal, and cannot 
be separated from it. I respect that moral sense which 
is sufficiently strong to discern what it believes, and to 
say, if it must, " I discredit Mind with having the power 
to heal." This individual disbelieves in Mind-healing, 
and is consistent. But, alas ! for the mistake of believ- 
ing in mental healing, claiming full faith in the divine 
Principle, and saying "I am a Christian Scientist," 
while doing unto others what we would resist to the hilt 
if done unto ourselves. 

May divine Love so permeate the affections of all those 
who have named the name of Christ in its fullest sense 
that no counteracting influence can hinder their growth 
or taint their examples. 

TAKING OFFENCE. 

There is immense wisdom in the old proverb, " He 
that is slow to anger is better than the mighty." 
Hannah More said, " If I wished to punish my enemy, I 
should make him hate somebody." 

To punish ourselves for others' faults, is superlative 
folly. The mental arrow shot from another's bow is 



224 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

practically harmless, unless our own thought barhs it. 
It is our pride that makes another's criticism rankle, 
our self-will that makes another's deed offensive, our 
egotism that feels hurt by another's self-assertion. Well 
may we feel wounded by our own faults ; but we can 
hardly afford to be miserable for the faults of others. 

A courtier told Constantine that a mob had broken 
the head of his statue, with stones. The emperor lifted 
his hands to his head, saying : " It is very surprising, but 
I don't feel hurt in the least." 

We should remember that the world is wide ; that 
there are a thousand million different human wills, 
opinions, ambitions, tastes, and loves ; that each person 
has a different history, constitution, culture, character, 
from all the rest ; that human life is the work, the play, 
the ceaseless action and reaction upon each other of these 
different atoms. Then, we should go forth into life with 
the smallest expectations, but with the largest patience ; 
with a keen relish for and appreciation of everything 
beautiful, great, and good ; but with a temper so genial, 
that the friction of the world shall not wear upon our 
sensibilities ; with an equanimity so settled, that no 
passing breath nor accidental disturbance shall agitate or 
ruffle it ; with a charity broad enough to cover the whole 
world's evil, and sweet enough to neutralize what is bit- 
ter in it, — determined not to be offended when no wrong 
is meant, nor even when it is, unless the offence be 
against God. 

Nothing short of our own errors should offend us. He 
who can wilfully attempt to injure another, is an object 
of pity rather than of resentment ; while it is a question 
in my mind, whether there is enough of a flatterer, a 
fool, or a liar, to offend a whole-souled woman. 



HINTS TO THE CLERGY. 225 



HINTS TO THE CLERGY. 



At the residence of Mr. Rawson, of Arlington, Massa- 
chusetts, a happy concourse of friends had gathered to 
celebrate the eighty-second birthday of his mother — a 
friend of mine, and a Christian Scientist. 

Among the guests, were an orthodox clergyman, his 
wife and child. 

In the course of the evening, conversation drifted to 
the seventh modern wonder, Christian Science ; where- 
upon the mother, Mrs. Rawson, who had drunk at its 
fount, firmly bore testimony to the power of Christ, 
Truth, to heal the sick. 

Soon after this conversation, the clergyman's son 
was taken violently ill. Then was the clergyman's 
opportunity to demand a proof of what the Christian 
Scientist had declared ; and he said to this venerable 
Christian : — 

u If you heal my son, when seeing, I may be led to 
believe." 

Mrs. Rawson then rose from her seat, and sat down 
beside the sofa whereon lay the lad with burning brow, 
moaning in pain. 

Looking away from all material aid, to the spiritual 
Source and ever-present Help, silently, through the 
Divine Power, she healed him. 

The deep flush faded from the face, a cool perspira- 
tion spread over it, and he slept. 

In about one hour he awoke, and was hungry 

The parents said : — 

" Wait until we get home, and you shall have some 
gruel." 

15 



226 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

But Mrs. Rawson said : — 

" Give the child what he relishes, and doubt not that 
the Father of all will care for him." 

Thus, the unbiased youth and the aged Christian 
carried the case on the side of God ; and, after eating 
several ice-creams, the clergyman's son returned home 
— well. 



PERFIDY AND SLANDER. 

What has an individual gained by losing his own 
self-respect? or what has he lost, when, retaining his 
own, he loses the homage of fools, or the pretentious 
praise of hypocrites, false to themselves as to others ? 

Shakespeare, the immortal lexicographer of mortals, 

writes : — 

" To thine own self be true, 
And it must follow, as the night the day, 
Thou canst not then be false to any man." 

When Aristotle was asked what a person could gain 
by uttering a falsehood, he replied, " Not to be credited 
when he shall tell the truth." 

The character of a liar and hypocrite is so contempti- 
ble, that even of those who have lost their honor it 
might be expected that from the violation of truth 
they should be restrained by their pride. 

Perfidy of an inferior quality such as manages to 
evade the law, and which dignified natures cannot stoop 
to notice, except legally, disgraces human nature more 
than do most vices. 

Slander is a midnight robber ; the red-tongued assas- 
sin of radical worth; the conservative swindler, who 



PERFIDY AND SLANDER. 227 

sells himself in a traffic by which he can gain nothing. 
It can retire for forgiveness to no fraternity where its 
crime may stand in the place of a virtue ; but must at 
length be given up to the hisses of the multitude, with- 
out friend and without apologist. 

Law has found it necessary to offer to the innocent, 
security from slanderers — those pests of society — when 
their crime comes within its jurisdiction. Thus, to 
evade the penalty of law, and yet with malice afore- 
thought to extend their evil intent, is the nice distinc- 
tion by which they endeavor to get their weighty stuff 
into the hands of gossip ! Some uncharitable one may 
give it a forward move, and, ere that one himself become 
aware, find himself responsible for kind (?) endeavors. 

Would that my pen or pity could raise these weak, 
pitifully poor objects from their choice of self-degrada- 
tion to the nobler purposes and wider aims of a life 
made honest : a life in which the fresh flowers of feel- 
ing blossom, and, like the camomile, the more trampled 
upon, the sweeter the odor they send forth to benefit 
mankind ; a life wherein calm, self-respected thoughts 
abide in tabernacles of their own, dwelling upon a holy 
hill, speaking the truth in the heart ; a life wherein the 
mind can rest in green pastures, beside the still waters, 
on isles of 3weet refreshment. The sublime summary 
of an honest life satisfies the mind craving a higher 
good, and bathes it in the cool waters of peace on 
earth; till it grows into the full- stature of wisdom, 
reckoning its own, by the amount of happiness it has 
bestowed upon others. 

Not to avenge one's self upon one's enemies, is the 
command of Almighty Wisdom ; and we take this to be 



228 MISCELLANEOUS WKITINGS. 

a safer guide than the promptings of human nature. 
To know that a deception dark as it is base has been 
practised upon thee, — by those deemed at least indebted 
friends whose welfare thou hast promoted, — and yet 
not to avenge thyself, is to do good to thyself ; is to 
take a new standpoint whence to look upward ; is to be 
calm amid excitement, just amid lawlessness, and pure 
amid corruption. 

To be a great man or woman, to have a name whose 
odor fills the world with its fragrance, is to bear with 
patience the bufferings of envy or malice — even while 
seeking to raise those barren natures to a capacity for a 
higher life. We should look with pitying eye on the 
momentary success of all villanies, on mad ambition, 
and low revenge. This will bring us also to look on a 
kind, true, and just person, faithful to conscience and 
honest beyond reproach, as the only suitable fabric out 
of which to weave an existence fit for earth and 
Heaven. 



CONTAGION. 

Whatever man sees, feels, or in any way takes 
cognizance of, must be caught through mind ; inasmuch 
as perception, sensation, and consciousness belong to 
mind and not to matter. Floating with the popular 
current of mortal -thought without questioning the 
reliability of its conclusions, we do what others do, 
believe what others believe, and say what others say. 
Common consent is contagious, and it makes disease 
catching. 






CONTAGION. 229 

People believe in infectious and contagious diseases, 
and that any one is liable to have them under certain 
predisposing or exciting causes. This mental state 
prepares one to have any disease whenever there appear 
the circumstances which he believes produce it. If he 
believed as sincerely that health is catching when ex- 
posed to contact with healthy people, he would catch 
their state of feeling quite as surely, and with better 
effect than he does the sick man's. 

If only the people would believe that good is more 
contagious than evil, since God is Omnipresence, how 
much more certain would be the doctor's success, and 
the clergyman's conversion of sinners. And if only the 
pulpit would encourage faith in God in this direction, 
and faith in Mind over all other influences governing 
the receptivity of the body, theology would teach man 
as David taught : " Because thou hast made the Lord, 
which is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation, 
there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague 
come nigh thy dwelling." 

The confidence of mankind in contagious disease 
would thus become beautifully less ; and in the same 
proportion would faith in the power of God to heal and 
to save mankind, increase, until the whole human race 
would become healthier, holier, happier, and longer 
lived. A calm, Christian state of mind is a better pre- 
ventive of contagion than a drug, or than any other 
possible sanative method ; and the " perfect love that 
casteth out fear " is a sure defence. 



230 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 



IMPROVE YOUR TIME. 

Success in life depends upon persistent effort, upon 
the improvement of moments more than upon any other 
one thing. A great amount of time is consumed in 
talking nothing, doing nothing, and indecision as to 
what one should do. If one would be successful in the 
future, let him make the most of the present. 
" Two ways of wasting time, one of which is contempti- 
ble, are, gossiping mischief, making lingering calls ; 
and mere motion when at work, thinking of nothing or 
planning for some amusement, travel of limb more than 
Soul. Rushing around smartly is no proof of accom- 
plishing much. 

All successful individuals have become such by hard 
work ; by improving moments before they pass into 
hours, and hours that other people may occupy in the 
pursuit of pleasure. They spend no time in sheer idle- 
ness, in talking when they have nothing to say, in 
building air-castles or floating off on the wings of sense : 
all of which drop human life into the ditch of nonsense, 
and worse than waste its years. 

" Let us, then, be up and doing, 
With a heart for any fate ; 
Still achieving, still pursuing, 
Learn to labor and to wait." 



THANKSGIVING DINNER. 

It was a beautiful group ! needing but canvas and the 
touch of an artist to render it pathetic, tender, gorgeous. 
Age, on whose hoary head the almond-blossom formed a 



THANKSGIVING DINNER. 231 

crown of glory ; middle-age, in smiles and the full 
fruition of happiness ; infancy, exuberant with joy, — 
ranged side by side. The sober-suited grandmother, 
rich in experience, had seen simshine and shadow fall 
upon ninety-six years. Four generations sat at that 
dinner-table. The rich viands made busy many appe- 
tites ; but, what of the poor ! Willingly — though I take 
no stock in spirit-rappings — would I have had the table 
give a spiritual groan for the unfeasted ones. 

Under the skilful carving of the generous host, the 
mammoth turkey grew beautifully less. His was 
the glory to vie with guests in the dexterous use of knife 
and fork, until delicious pie, pudding, and fruit caused 
unconditional surrender. 

And the baby ! Why, he made a big hole, with two 
incisors, in a big pippin, and bit the finger presump- 
tuously poked into the little mouth to arrest the peel ! 
Then he was caught walking ! one, two, three steps, — 
and papa knew that he could walk, but grandpa was 
taken napping. Now ! baby has tumbled, soft as thistle- 
down, on the floor ; and instead of a real set-to at crying, 
a look of cheer and a toy from mamma bring the soft 
little palms patting together, and pucker the rosebud 
mouth into saying, " Oh, pretty ! " That was a scientific 
baby ; and his first sitting-at-table on Thanksgiving Day 
■ — yes, and his little rainbowy life — brought sunshine 
to every heart. How many homes echo such tones of 
heartfelt joy on Thanksgiving Day ! But, alas ! for the 
desolate home ; for the tear-filled eyes looking longingly 
at the portal through which the loved one comes not, or 
gazing silently on the vacant seat at fireside and board. 
God comfort them all ! we inwardly prayed ; — but — 



232 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS, 

the memory was too much ; and, turning from it, in a 
bumper of pudding-sauce, we drank to Peace, and 
Plenty, and Happy Households. 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE. 

This age is reaching out towards the perfect Principle 
of things ; is pushing towards perfection in art, inven- 
tion, and manufacture. Why, then, should religion be 
stereotyped, and we not obtain a more perfect and prac- 
tical Christianity ? It will never do to be behind the 
times in things most essential, which proceed from the 
standard of right, that regulates human destiny. Hu- 
man skill but foreshadows what is next to appear as its 
divine origin. Proportionately as we part with material 
systems and theories, personal doctrines and dogmas, 
meekly to ascend the hill of Science, shall we reach the 
maximum of perfection in all things. 

Spirit is omnipotent ; hence a more spiritual Chris- 
tianity will be one having more power, having perfected 
in Science that most important of all arts, — Healing. 

Metaphysical healing, or Christian Science, is a de- 
mand of the times. Every man and every woman would 
desire and demand it, if he and she knew its infinite 
value and firm basis. The unerring and fixed Principle 
of all healing is God ; and this Principle should be 
sought from the love of Good, from the most spiritual 
and unselfish motives. Then will it be understood to be 
of God, and not of man ; and this will prevent mankind 
from striking out promiscuously, teaching and practising 
in the name of Science without knowing its fundamental 
Principle. 



CHKISTIAN SCIENCE. 233 

It is important to know that a malpractice of the best 
system will result in the worst form of medicine. More- 
over, the feverish, disgusting pride of those who call 
themselves metaphysicians or Scientists, — but are such 
in name only, — fanned by the breath of mental mal- 
practice, is the death's-head at the feast of Truth ; the 
monkey in harlequin jacket, that will retard the onward 
march of Life-giving Science, if not understood and with- 
stood, and so strangled in its attempts. 

The standard of metaphysical healing is traduced by 
thinking to put into the old garment of drugging the 
new cloth of metaphysics ; or by trying to twist the fa- 
tal magnetic force of mortal mind, termed hypnotism, 
into a more fashionable cut and naming that " mind- 
cure," or — which is still worse in the eyes of Truth — 
terming it Metaphysics ! Substituting good words for a 
good life, fair-seeming for straightforward character, 
mental malpractice for the practice of true medicine, is 
a poor shift for the weak and worldly who think the 
standard of Christian Science too high for them. 

What think you of a scientist in mathematics who finds 
fault with the exactness of the rule because unwilling to 
work hard enough to practise it ? The perfection of the 
rule of Christian Science is what constitutes its utility : 
having a true standard, if some fall short, others will 
approach it ; and these are they only who adhere to that 
standard. 

Matter must be understood as a false belief or product 
of mortal mind : whence we learn that sensation is not 
in matter, but in this so-called mind ; that we see and 
feel disease only by reason of our belief in it : then shall 
matter remain no longer to blind us to Spirit, and clog 



234 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

the wheels of progress. We spread our wings in vain 
when we attempt to mount above error by speculative 
views of Truth. 

Love is the Principle of Divine Science ; and Love is 
not learned of the material senses, nor gained by a culpa- 
ble attempt to seem what we have not lifted ourselves 
to be, namely, a Christian. In love for man, we gain a 
true sense of Love as God ; and in no other way can we 
reach this spiritual sense, and rise — and still rise — to 
things most essential and divine. What hinders man's 
progress is his vain conceit, the Phariseeism of the 
times, also his effort to steal from others and avoid hard 
work ; errors which can never find a place in Science. 
Empirical knowledge is worse than useless : it never has 
advanced man a single step in the scale of Being. 

That one should have ventured on such unfamiliar 
ground, and, self-forgetful, should have gone on to 
establish this mighty system of metaphysical healing, 
called Christian Science, against such odds, — even the 
entire current of mortality, — is matter of grave wonder- 
ment to profound thinkers. That, in addition to this, 
she has made some progress, has seen far into the spirit- 
ual Facts of Being which constitute physical and mental 
perfection, in the midst of an age so sunken in sin and 
sensuality, seems to them still more inconceivable. 

In this new departure of metaphysics, God is regarded 
more as absolute, supreme ; and is clad with a richer 
illumination as our Saviour from sickness, sin, and death. 
His Fatherliness as Life, Truth, and Love, makes His 
sovereignty glorious. 

By this system, too, man has a changed recognition 
of his relation to God. He is no longer obliged to sin, 



INJUSTICE. 235 

be sick, and die to reach heaven, but is required and em- 
powered to conquer sin, sickness, and death ; thus, as 
image and likeness, to reflect Him who destroys death 
and hell. By this reflection, man becomes the partaker 
of that Mind whence sprang the universe. 

ln_Christian Science, progress is demonstration, not 
doctrine. This Science is ameliorative and regenera- 
tive, delivering mankind from all error through the light 
and love of Truth. It gives to the race loftier desires 
and new possibilities. It lays the axe at the root of the 
tree of knowledge, to cut down all that bringeth not 
forth good fruit ; " and blessed is he whosoever shall 
not be offended because of me." It touches mind to 
more spiritual issues, systematizes action, gives a keener 
sense of Truth and a stronger desire for it. 

Hungering and thirsting after a better life, we shall 
have it, and become Christian Scientists ; learn God 
aright, and know something of the ideal man, the real 
man, harmonious and eternal. This movement of 
thought must push on the ages : it must start the 
wheels of reason aright, educate the affections to higher 
resources, and leave Christianity unbiased by the super- 
stitions of a senior period. 



INJUSTICE. 

Who that has tried to follow the divine precept, " All 
things whatsoever ye would that men should do unto 
you, do ye even so unto them," has not suffered from 
the situation ? — has not found that human passions in 
their reaction have misjudged motives ? 



236 MISCELLANEOUS AVKITINGS. 

Throughout our experience since undertaking the 
labor of uplifting the race, we have been made the re- 
pository of little else than the troubles, indiscretions, 
and errors of others ; until thought has shrunk from 
contact with family difficulties, and become weary with 
study to counsel wisely whenever giving advice on per- 
sonal topics. 

To the child complaining of his parents we have said, 
" Love and honor thy parents, and yield obedience to 
them in all that is right ; but you have the rights of 
conscience, as we all have, and must follow God in all 
your ways." 

When yielding to constant solicitations of husband or 
wife to give, to one or the other, advice concerning dif- 
ficulties and the best way to overcome them, we have 
done this to the best of our ability, — and always with 
the purpose to restore harmony and prevent dishonor. 
In such cases we have said, " Take no counsel of a 
mortal, even though it be your best friend; but be 
guided by God alone " ; meaning by this, — be not 
estranged from each other by anything that is said to 
you, but seek in divine Love the remedy for all human 
discord. 

Yet, notwithstanding one's good intentions, in some 
way or at some step in one's efforts to help another, as 
a general rule, one will be blamed for all that is not 
right : but this must not deter us from doing our duty, 
whatever else may appear, and at whatever cost. 



REFORMERS. 237 



REFORMERS. 

The olden opinion that hell is fire and brimstone has 
yielded somewhat to the metaphysical fact that suffering 
is a thing of mortal mind instead of body : so, in place 
of material flames and odor, mental anguish is generally 
accepted as the penalty for sin. This changed belief 
has wrought a change in the actions of men. Not a few 
individuals serve God (or try to) from fear ; but remove 
that fear, and the worst of human passions belch forth 
their latent fires. Some people never repent until earth 
gives them such a cup of gall that conscience strikes 
home ; then they are brought to realize how impossible 
it is to sin and not suffer. All the different phases of 
error in human nature the reformer must encounter and 
help to eradicate. 

This period is not essentially one of conscience : few 
feel and live now as when this nation began, and our 
forefathers' prayers blended with the murmuring winds 
of their forest home. This is a period of doubt, inquiry, 
speculation, selfishness ; of divided interests, marvellous 
good, and mysterious evil. But sin can only work out 
its own destruction ; and reform does and must push on 
the growth of mankind. 

Honor to faithful merit is delayed, and always has 
been ; but it is sure to follow. The very streets through 
which Garrison was dragged were draped in honor of 
the dead hero who did the hard work, the immortal 
work, of loosing the fetters of one form of human 
slavery. I remember, when a girl, and he visited my 
father, how a childish fear clustered round his coming. 



238 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

I had heard the awful story that " he helped ' niggers ' 
kill the white folks ! " Even the loving children are 
sometimes made to believe a lie, and to hate reformers. 
It is pleasant, now, to contrast with that childhood's 
wrong the reverence of my riper years for all who dare 
to be true, honest to their convictions, and strong of 
purpose. 

The reformer has no time to give in defence of his 
own life's incentive, since no sacrifice is too great for 
the silent endurance of his love. What has not unselfed- 
love achieved for the race ? All that ever was accom- 
plished, and more than history has yet recorded. The 
reformer works on unmentioned, save when he is abused, 
or his work is utilized in the interest of somebody. He 
may labor for the establishment of a cause which is 
fraught with infinite blessings, — health, virtue, and 
Heaven ; but what of all that ? Who should care for 
everybody ? It is enough, say they, to care for a few. 
Yet the good done, and the love that foresees more to do, 
stimulate philanthropy and are an everpresent reward. 
Let one's life answer well these questions, and it already 
hath a benediction : 

Have you renounced self ? Are you faithful ? Do 
you love ? 



MRS. EDDY SICK. 

The frequent public allegement that I am " sick, unable 
to speak a loud word," or that I died of palsy, and am 
dead, — is but another evidence of the falsehoods kept 
constantly before the public. 



"i Ve got cold." 239 

While I accord these evil-mongers due credit for their 
desire, let me say to you, dear reader : Call at the Mas- 
sachusetts Metaphysical College, in 1889 and judge for 
yourself whether I can talk — and laugh too ! I never 
was in better health. I have had but four days' vacation 
for the past year, and am about to commence a large class 
in Christian Science. Lecturing, writing, preaching, teach- 
ing, etc., give fair proof that my shadow is not growing 
less ; and substance is taking larger proportions. 



"I 'VE GOT COLD." 

Out upon the sidewalk one winter morning,! observed 
a carriage draw up before a stately mansion, a portly 
gentleman alight and take from his carriage the ominous 
hand-trunk. 

"Ah!" thought I, "somebody has to take it; and 
what may the potion be ? " 

Just then a tiny, sweet face appeared in the vestibule, 
and red nose, suffused .eyes, cough, and tired look, 
told the story ; but, looking up quaintly, the poor child 
said, — 

" I 've got cold, doctor." 

Her apparent pride at sharing in a popular influenza, 
was comical. However, her dividend, when compared 
with that of the household stockholders, was new ; and 
doubtless their familiarity with what the stock paid, 
made them more serious over it. 

What if that sweet child, so bravely confessing that 
she had something that she ought not to have, and which 
mamma thought must be gotten rid of, had been taught 



240 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

the value of saying even more bravely, and believing 
it,— 

" I have not got cold." 

Why, the doctor's squills and bills would have been 
avoided ; and through the cold air the little one would 
have been bounding with sparkling eyes, and ruby 
cheeks painted and fattened by metaphysical hygiene. 

Parents and doctors must not take the sweet fresh- 
ness out of the children's lives by that flippant caution, 
" You will get cold." 

Predicting danger does not dignify life, whereas fore- 
casting liberty and joy does ; for these are strong pro- 
moters of health and happiness. All education should 
contribute to moral and physical strength and freedom. 
If a cold could get into the body without the assent of 
mind, nature would take it out as gently, or let it remain 
as harmlessly, as it takes the frost out of the ground 
or puts it into the ice-cream to the satisfaction of all. 

The sapling bends to the breeze, while the sturdy oak, 
with form and inclination fixed, breasts the tornado. It 
is easier to incline the early thought rightly, than the 
biased mind. Children not mistaught, naturally love 
God ; for they are pure-minded, affectionate, and gen- 
erally brave. Passions, appetites, pride, selfishness, 
have slight sway over the fresh, unbiased thought. 

Teach the children early self-government, and teach 
them nothing that is wrong. If they see their father 
with a cigarette in his mouth — suggest to them that the 
habit of smoking is not nice, and that nothing but a 
loathsome worm naturally chews tobacco. Likewise 
soberly inform them that " Battle-Axe Plug" takes 
off men's heads ; or, leaving these on, that it takes 



241 

from their bodies a sweet something which belongs to 
nature, — namely, pure odors. 

From a religious point of view, the faith of both 
youth and adult should centre as steadfastly in God 
to benefit the body, as to benefit the mind. Body 
and mind are correlated in man's salvation ; for man 
will no more enter heaven sick than as a sinner, 
and Christ's Christianity casts out sickness as well as 
sin of every sort. 

Test, if you will, metaphysical healing on two patients : 
one having morals to be healed, the other having a 
physical ailment. Use as your medicine the great 
alterative, Truth : give to the immoralist a mental' dose 
that says, "You have no pleasure in sin," and witness 
the effects. 

Either he will hate you, and try to make others do 
likewise, so taking a dose of error big enough ap- 
parently to neutralize your Truth, else he will doubt- 
ingly await the result ; during which interim, by 
constant combat and direful struggles, you get the 
victory and Truth heals him of the moral malady. 

On the other hand, to the bed-ridden sufferer admin- 
ister this alterative Truth : " God never made you sick : 
there is no necessity for pain ; and Truth destroys the 
error that insists on the necessity of any man's bondage 
to sin and sickness. ' Ye shall know the Truth, and the 
Truth shall make you free.' " 

Then, like blind Bartimeus, the doubting heart looks 
up through faith, and your patient rejoices in the gospel 
of health. 

Tims, you see, it is easier to heal the physical than the 
moral ailment. When divine Truth and Love heal, of 



242 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

sin, the sinner who is at ease in sin, how much more 
should these heal, of sickness, the sick who are dis- 
eased, dis-comforted, and who long for relief ! 

PRAYER AND HEALING. 

The article of Professor T , having the above cap- 
tion, published in ZiorCs Herald, December third, came 
not to my notice until January ninth. In it the 
Professor offered me, as President of the Metaphysical 
College in Boston, or one of my students, the liberal 
sum of $1,000 if either would re-set certain dislocations 
without the use of hands, and $2,000 if either would 
give sight to one born blind. 

Will the gentleman accept my thanks due to his 
generosity ; for, if I should accept his bid on Chris- 
tianity, he would lose his money. 

Why ? 

Because I performed more difficult tasks fifteen years 
ago. At present, I am in another department of 
Christian work, " where there shall no signs be given 
them," for they shall be instructed in the Principle of 
Christian Science that furnishes its own proof. 

But, to reward his liberality, I offer him $3,000 if he 
will heal one single case of opium-eating where the 
patient is very low and taking morphine powder in its 
most concentrated form, at the rate of one ounce in two 
weeks, — having taken it twenty years ; and he is to 
cure that habit in three days, leaving the patient well. 
I cured precisely such a case in 1869. 

Also, Mr. C. M. H , of Boston, formerly partner 

of George T. Brown, pharmacist, No. 5 Beacon St., will 



PRAYER AND HEALIXG. 243 

tell you that he was my student in December, 1884; and 
that before leaving the class he took a patient thoroughly 
addicted to the use of opium — if she went without it 
twenty-four hours she would have delirium — and in 
forty-eight hours cured her perfectly of this habit, with 
no bad results, but with decided improvement in health. 

I have not yet made surgery one of the mental 
branches taught in my college ; although students treat 
sprains, contusions, etc., successfully. In the case of 
sprain of the wrist-joint, where the regular doctor had 
put on splints and bandages to remain six weeks, a 
student of mine removed these appliances the same day 
and effected the cure in less than one week. Reference, 
Mrs. M. A. F— , 107 Eutaw Street, East Boston. 

I agree with the Professor, that every system of 
medicine claims more than it practises. If the system 
is Science, it includes of necessity the Principle which 
the learner can demonstrate only in proportion as he 
understands it. Boasting is unbecoming a mortal's poor 
performances. My Christian students are proverbially 
modest : their works alone should declare them, since 
my system of medicine is not generally understood. 
There are charlatans in " mind cure," who practise on 
the basis of matter, or human will, not Mind. 

The Professor alludes to Paul's advice to Timothy. 
Did he refer to that questionable counsel, " Take a little 
wine for thy stomach's sake ? " Even doctors disagree 
on that prescription: some of the medical faculty will 
tell him that alcoholic drinks cause the coats of the 
stomach to thicken and the organ to contract ; will 
prevent the secretions of the gastric juice and induce 
ulceration, bleeding, vomiting, death. 



244 MISCELLANEOUS WKITINGS. 

Again, the Professor quotes, in justification of mate- 
rial methods, and as veritable : " He took a bone from 
the side of Adam, closed up the wound thereof, and 
builded up the woman." (Gen. ii. 21.) 

Here we have the Professor on the platform of 
Christian Science ! even a " surgical operation " that he 
says was performed by divine power, — Mind alone con- 
structing the human system, before surgical instruments 
were invented, and closing the incisions of the flesh. 

He further states that God cannot cure even the soul 
without compliance to ordained conditions. But, we 
ask, Have those conditions named in Genesis been per- 
petuated in the multiplication of mankind ? And, are 
the conditions of salvation mental, or physical ; are 
they bodily penance and torture, or repentance and re- 
form, which are the action of mind ? 

He asks, "Has the law been abrogated, that de- 
mands the employment of visible agencies for specific 
ends?" 

Will he accept my reply as derived from the life and 
teachings of Jesus ? — who annulled the so-called laws of 
matter by the higher law of Spirit, causing him to walk 
the wave, turn the water into wine, make the blind to 
see, the deaf to hear, the lame to walk, and the dead to 
be raised without matter-agencies. And he did this for 
man's example ; not to teach himself, but others, the 
way of healing and salvation. He said, "And other 
sheep I have, which are not of this fold." 

The teachings and demonstration of Jesus were for 
all peoples and for all time ; not for a privileged class 
or a restricted period, but for as many as should believe 
in Him. 



VERITAS ODIUM PARIT. 245 

Are the discoverers of quinine, cocaine, etc., espe- 
cially the children of our Lord because of their medical 
discoveries ? 

We have no record showing that our Master ever 
used, or recommended others to use, drugs ; but we 
have his words and the prophet's as follows : " Take no 
thought, saying, What shall we eat ? or, What shall we 
drink?" " And Asa, who sought not to the Lord, but 
to the physicians, slept with his fathers." 

VERITAS ODIUM PARIT. 

The combined efforts of the materialistic portion of 
the pulpit and press in 1885, to retard by misrepresen- 
tation the stately goings of Christian Science, are giving 
it new impetus and energy ; calling forth the vox populi 
and directing more critical observation to its uplifting 
influence upon the health, morals, and spirituality of 
mankind. 

Their movements indicate fear and weakness, a physi- 
cal and spiritual need that Christian Science should re- 
move with glorious results. The conclusion cannot now 
be pushed, that women have no rights that man is bound 
to respect. This is woman's hour, in all the known 
tendencies, charities, and reforms of to-day. It is diffi- 
cult to say which may be most mischievous to the 
human heart, the praise, or the dispraise of men. 

I have loved the Church and followed it, thinking that 
it was following Christ ; but, if the pulpit allows the 
people to go no further in the direction of Christlike- 
ness, and rejects Apostolic Christianity, seeking to 
stereotype infinite Truth, it is a thing to be thankful 



246 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

for that one can walk alone the straight and narrow 
way ; that, in the words of Douglas, " God with one 
is a majority." 

It is the pulpit and press, clerical robes, and the 
prohibiting of free speech, that cradles and covers the 
sins of the world, — all unmitigated systems of crime ; 
and it requires the enlightenment of these worthies, 
through civil and religious reform, to blot out all in- 
human codes. It was the Southern pulpit and press 
that influenced the people to wrench from man both 
human and Divine rights, in order to subserve the 
interests of wealth, religious caste, civil and political 
power. And the pulpit had to be purged of that sin by 
human gore, — when the love of Christ would have 
washed it divinel} 7 away in Christian Science ! 

The cry of the colored slave has scarcely been heard 
and hushed, when from another direction there comes 
another sharp cry of oppression. Another form of in- 
humanity lifts its hydra head to forge anew the old fet- 
ters ; to shackle conscience, stop free speech, slander, 
vilify ; to invite its prey, then turn and refuse the victim 
a solitary vindication in this most unprecedented warfare. 

A conflict more terrible than the battle of Gettysburg 
awaits the crouching wrong that refused to yield its prey 
the peace of a desert, when a voice was heard crying in 
the wilderness, the spiritual famine of 1866, " Prepare 
ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." 

Shall religious intolerance, arrayed against the rights 
of man, again deluge the earth in blood ? The question 
at issue with mankind is : Shall we have a spiritual 
Christianity and a spiritual healing, or a materialistic 
religion and a materia medica? 



VERITAS ODIUM PABIT. 247 

The advancing faith and hope of Christianity, the 
earnest seeking after practical truth that shall cast out 
error and heal the sick, wisely demand for man his God- 
given heritage, both human and Divine rights ; namely, 
that his honest convictions and proofs of advancing 
truth be allowed due consideration, and treated not as 
pearls trampled upon. 

Those familiar with my history are more tolerant ; 
those who know me, know that I found health in just 
what I teach. I have professed Christianity a half-cen- 
tury ; and now I calmly challenge the world, upon fair 
investigation, to furnish a single instance of departure 
in one of my works from the highest possible ethics. 

The charges against my views are false, but natural, 
since those bringing them do not understand my state- 
ment of the Science I introduce, and are unwilling to be 
taught it, even gratuitously. If they did understand it, 
they could demonstrate this Science by healing the sick ; 
hence the injustice of their interpretations. 

To many, the healing force developed by Christian Sci- 
ence seems a mystery, because they do not understand 
that Spirit controls body. They acknowledge the exist- 
ence of mortal mind, but believe it to reside in mat- 
ter of the brain ; but that man is the idea of Infinite 
Mind, is not so easily accepted. That which is tempo- 
rary seems, to the common estimate, solid and substan- 
tial. It is much easier for people to believe that the 
body affects Mind, than that the body is an expression 
of Mind, and reflects harmony or discord according to 
thought. 

Everything that God created, He pronounced good. 
He never made sickness. Hence that is only an evil 



248 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

belief of mortal mind, which must be met, in every 
instance, with a denial by Truth. 

This is the " new tongue," the language of them that 
" lay hands on the sick and they recover," whose spirit- 
ual interpretation they refuse to hear. For instance : 
the literal meaning of the passage " lay hands on the 
sick " would be manipulation ; its moral meaning, found 
in the " new tongue," is spiritual power, — as, in an- 
other scripture, " I will triumph in the works of Thy 
hands." 



FALSEHOOD. 

The Greeks showed a just estimate of the person they 
called slanderer, when they made the word synonymous 
with devil. If the simple falsehoods uttered about me 
were compounded, the mixture would be labelled thus: 
" Religionists' mistaken views of Mrs. Eddy's book, 4 Sci- 
ence and Health with Key to the Scriptures,' and the 
malice aforethought of sinners." 

That I take opium ; that I am an infidel, a mesmerist, 
a medium, a " Pantheist ; " or that my hourly life is 
prayerless, or not in strict obedience to the Mosaic 
decalogue, — is not more true than that I am dead, as is 
oft reported. The " St. Louis Democrat " is alleged to 
have reported my demise, and to have said that I 
died of poison, and bequeathed my property to Susan 
Anthony. 

The opium falsehood has only this to it : Many years 
ago my regular physician prescribed morphine, which I 
took, when he could do no more for me. Afterwards, 



FALSEHOOD. 249 

the glorious revelations of Christian Science saved me 
from that necessity and made me well, since which time 
I have not taken drugs, with the following exception : 
When the mental malpractice of poisoning people was 
first undertaken by a mesmerist, to test that malpractice 
I experimented by taking some large doses of morphine, 
to see if Christian Science could not obviate its effect ; 
and I say with tearful thanks, " The drug had no effect 
upon me whatever." The hour has struck, "If they 
drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them." 

The false report that I have appropriated other 
people's manuscripts in my works, has been met and 
answered legally. Both in private and public life, and 
especially through my teachings, it is well known that I 
am not a spiritualist, a pantheist, or prayerless. The 
most devout members of evangelical churches will say 
this, as well as my intimate acquaintances. None are 
permitted to remain in my college building whose morals 
are not unquestionable. I have neither purchased nor 
ordered a drug since my residence in Boston ; and to 
my knowledge, not one has been sent to my house, 
unless it was something to remove stains or vermin. 

The report that I was dead arose no doubt from the 
combined efforts of some malignant students, expelled 
from my college for immorality, to kill me : of their 
mental design to do this I have proof, but no fear. My 
Heavenly Father will never leave me comfortless, in the 
amplitude of His love ; coming nearer in my need, more 
tenderly to save and bless. 



250 MISCELLANEOUS WETTINGS. 



LOVE. 

What a word ! I am in awe before it. Over what 
worlds on worlds it hath range and is sovereign ! the 
underived, the incomparable, the infinite All of Good, 
the alone God, is Love. 

By what strange perversity is the best become the 
most abused, — either as a quality or as an entity ? 
Mortals misrepresent and miscall affection ; they make 
it what it is not, and doubt what it is. The so-called 
affection pursuing its victim is a butcher fattening the 
lamb to slay it. What the lower propensities express, 
should be repressed by the sentiments. No word is 
more misconstrued ; no sentiment less understood. The 
divine significance of Love is distorted into human qual- 
ities, which in their human abandon become jealousy 
and hate. 

Love is not something put upon a shelf, to be taken 
down on rare occasions with sugar-tongs and laid on a 
rose-leaf. I make strong demands on love, call for 
active witnesses to prove it, and noble sacrifices and 
grand achievements as its results. Unless these appear, 
I cast aside the word as a sham and counterfeit, having: 
no ring of the true metal. Love cannot be a mere 
abstraction, or goodness without activity and power. 
As a human quality, the glorious significance of affec- 
tion is more than words : it is the tender, unselfish deed 
done in secret; the silent, ceaseless prayer; the self- 
forgetful heart that overflows ; the veiled form stealing 
on an errand of mercy, out of a side door ; the little 
feet tripping along the sidewalk ; the gentle hand 



HOW SLEEP THE BRAVE ! 251 

opening the door that turns toward want and woe, sick- 
ness and sorrow, and thus lighting the dark places of 
earth. 



HOW SLEEP THE BRAVE! 

That " many of our best men and women have passed 
away who might have been saved by Christian Science," 
is still as true as when first uttered in Science and 
Health many years ago ; yet we mourn not as those 
without hope. The day of wiser and wider service to 
mankind is surely hastening toward us, and, some time, 
blind faith in the saving power of material laws will be 
supplanted by clear understanding of the saving power 
of Mind to heal all manner of diseases. 

On Thursday, July 23, 1885, chieftain, hero, and 
ex-President, General U. S. Grant passed from earth's 
battle-ground to the better land from whose bourne 
none may return. When we behold how deeply is 
mourned his departure by the nation he so valiantly 
defended, we are filled with profounder regret than even 
while he was yet with us that the best possible ministra- 
tions were ruled out of the efforts made to save him 
for riper experience among us. 

The decision of materia medica seems to have been 
carried into effect. From the outset the human mind 
said, " Cancer will kill the man." This mortal decision 
has apparently triumphed, through its verdict obeyed. 
But the one to have decided the case was divine Mind, 
whose word over all is even now final; for disease did 
not "kill the man." He lives! and is out of the fear 
which that false view inculcates. 



252 MISCELLANEOUS WHITINGS. 

God grant that the bereaved family find consolation 
in the undying facts of Divine Science over and above 
these surging, overwhelming mortal beliefs perpetuated 
by ignorance and bigotry. 

" Touched with a grief that needs no outward draping, 
All swell the long lament of grateful hearts instead of marble 

shaping 
His viewless monument! " 



GEORGE ELIOT'S POETRY AND OTHER STUDIES. 
By Rose Elizabeth Cleveland. 

This book is a gift that I value for its uniqueness, 
beautifully embellished, and containing about two hun- 
dred pages. A live book, full of originality, freshness, 
and force ; homiletical, rich in suggestiveness, and over- 
flowing. Few authors have Miss Cleveland's literary 
style. She sweeps aside conventionalities ; and, with 
firm, unfaltering adherence to her convictions and con- 
scientious reasonableness, she places herself under the 
lens of criticism. Her metaphysics rends a veil in this 
sentence : " One may know all that is to be known 
about matter, and nothing that needs to be known 
about man." 

THE JOURNEYINGS OF JESUS. 
By Addison Crabtree, M.D. 

Will the author accept my thanks for this book. I 
cheerfully advise Bible scholars to purchase this book. 
They will find it gifted, thoroughly correct, and a good 
presentation of dates, of the words, deeds, and life of 



WELL DOFXGE IS THE FRUITE OF DOINGE WELL. 253 

Jesus, in whom we all should have unsurpassed interest. 
The author seems to stand among the scenes — men 
and women of the past — and present them to people 
in this period. God is infinite history, and, as Carlyle 
says, " All history is the Bible." 

Among the well authenticated, graphic, startling por- 
trayals of scriptural scenes and incidents are Herod's 
banquet and anniversary ; the dance of Salome, Hero- 
dias' daughter ; and the tragedy of John the Baptist. 
Daily observation shows that such is history, not fiction ; 
that the noblest and the best people have been sacrificed 
to the sensuality, artifice, or revenge of ignoble minds. 



WELL DOLXGE IS THE FRUITE OF DOINGE WELL. 

Heerick. 

This period is big with events. Fraught with history, 
it repeats the past and portends much for the future. 

The Scriptural metaphors, — of the woman in travail, 
the great red dragon that stood ready to devour the 
child as soon as it was born, and the husbandmen that 
said, " This is the heir; come, let us kill him, that the 
inheritance may be ours," — are type and shadow of 
this hour. 

A mother's love touches the heart of God, and should 
it not appeal to human sympathy ? Can a mother tell 
her child one tithe of the agonies that gave that child 
birth ? Can that child conceive of the anguish, until 
she herself is become a mi : .ier ? 

Do the children of this period dream of the spiritual 
mother's sore travail, through the long night, that has 
opened their eyes to the light of Christian Science ? 



254 MISCELLANEOUS WEITINGS. 

Cherish these new-born children that filial obedience to 
which the Decalogue points with promise of prosperity ? 
Should not the loving warning, the far-seeing wisdom, the 
gentle entreaty, the stern rebuke have been heeded, in 
return for all that love which brooded tireless over their 
tender years ? for all that love that hath fed them with 
Truth, — even the bread that comethdown from heaven, 
— as the mother-bird teudeth her young in the rock- 
ribbed rest of the raven's callow brood ! 

And what of the hope of that parent whose children 
rise up against her, when brother • slays brother, and 
the strength of union grows weak with wickedness ? 
The victim of mad ambition that saith, " This is the 
heir ; come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may 
be ours," goes on to learn that he must at last kill 
this evil in " self " in order to gain the kingdom of 
God. 

Envy, the great red dragon of this hour, would obscure 
the light of Science, take away a third part of the stars 
from the spiritual heavens, and cast them to the earth. 
This is not Science. Per contra, it is the mortal mind 
sense — mental healing on a material basis — hurling 
its so-called healing at random, filling with hate its 
deluded victims, or resting in silly peace upon the 
laurels of headlong human will. " What will, there- 
fore, the Lord' of the vineyard do ? He will come and 
destroy these husbandmen, and will give the vineyard 
unto others." 



ADVANTAGE OF MIND-HEALING. 255 



LITTLE GODS. 

It is sometimes said, cynically, that Christian Scien- 
tists set themselves on pedestals, as so many petty 
deities ; but there is no fairness or propriety in the 
aspersion. 

Man is not equal to his Maker. That which is formed 
is not Cause, but effect ; and has no underived power. 
But it is possible, and dutiful, to throw the weight of 
thought and action on the side of right, and to be thus 
lifted up. 

Man should be found not claiming equality with, but 
growing into, that altitude of Mind which was in Christ 
Jesus. He should comprehend, in Divine Science, a 
recognition of what the apostle meant when he said: 
u The Spirit itself beareth witness with our Spirit, that 
we are the children of God ; and if children, then heirs, 
— heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ." 



ADVANTAGE OF MIND-HEALING.' 

It is sometimes asked: What are the advantages of 
your system of healing ? 

I claim for healing by Christian Science the following 
advantages : — 

First : It does away with material medicine, and rec- 
ognizes the fact that the antidote for sickness, as well 
as for sin, may be found in God, the divine Mind. 

Second : It is more effectual than drugs, and cures 
where they fail, because it is this Divine antidote, and 
Metaphysics is above physics. 



256 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

Third : Persons who have been healed by Christian 
Science are not only cured of their belief in disease, but 
they are at the same time improved morally. The body 
is governed by Mind, and mortal mind must be corrected 
in order to make the body harmonious. 



A CARD. 

While gratefully acknowledging the public confidence 
manifested in daily letters that protest against receiving 
instruction in the Massachusetts Metaphysical College 
from any other than Mrs. Eddy, I feel, deeply, that of 
necessity this imposes on me the severe task of re- 
maining at present a public servant : also, that this 
must prevent my classes from forming as frequently 
as was announced in the October number of the " Jour- 
nal," and necessitates receiving but a select number of 
students. To meet the old impediment, lack of time, 
that has occasioned the irregular intervals between my 
class-terms, I shall continue to send to each applicant a 
notice from one to two weeks previous to the opening 
Term. 

Mary Baker G. Eddy. 



SPIRIT AND LAW. 

We are accustomed to think and to speak of gravita- 
tion as a law of matter ; while every quality of matter, 
in and of itself, is inert, inanimate, and non-intelligent. 
The assertion that matter is a law, or a lawgiver, is 
anomalous. Wherever Law is, Mind is; and the notion 



SPIRIT AND LAW. 257 

that Mind can be in matter is rank infidelity, which 
either excludes God from the universe, or includes Him 
in every mode and form of evil. Pantheism presupposes 
that God sleeps in the mineral, dreams in the animal, 
and wakes in a wicked man. 

The distinction between that which is and that which 
is not law, must be made by Mind, and as Mind. Law is 
either a moral or an immoral force. The law of God is 
the law of Spirit, a moral and spiritual force of Immor- 
tal and Divine Mind. The so-called law of matter is an 
immoral force of erring mortal mind, alias the minds of 
mortals. This so-called force, or law, at work in nature 
as a power, prohibition, or license, is cruel and merci- 
less. It punishes the innocent, and repays our best 
deeds with sacrifice and suffering. It is a code whose 
modes trifle with joy, and lead to immediate or ultimate 
death. It fosters suspicion where confidence is due, 
fear where courage is requisite, reliance where there 
should be avoidance, a belief in safety where there is 
most danger. Our Master called it " a murderer from 
the beginning." 

Electricity, governed by this so-called law, sparkles 
on the cloud, and strikes down the hoary saint. Floods 
swallow up homes and households ; and childhood, age, 
and manhood go down in the death-dealing wave. Earth- 
quakes engulf cities, churches, schools, and mortals. 
Cyclones kill and destroy, desolating the green earth. 
This pitiless power smites with disease the Good 
Samaritan ministering to his neighbor's need. Even 
the chamber where the good man surrenders to death 
is not exempt from this law. Smoothing the pillow of 
pain may infect you with smallpox, according to this 

17 



258 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

lawless law, which dooms man to die for loving his 
neighbor as himself, — when Christ has said, Love is 
the fulfilling of the law. 

Our great ensample, Jesus of Nazareth, met and abol- 
ished this unrelenting false claim of matter, with the 
righteous scorn and power of Spirit. When, through 
Mind, he restored sight to the blind, he figuratively and 
literally spat upon matter ; and, anointing the wounded 
spirit with the great Truth that God is All, he demon- 
strated the healing power and supremacy of the law of 
Life and Love. 

In the spiritual Genesis of Creation, all law was vested 
in the Lawgiver, who was a law to Himself. In Divine 
Science, God is One and All ; and, governing Himself, 
He governs the universe. This is the law of Creation : 
" My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in 
heart." And that infinite Mind governs all things. 
On this infinite Principle of freedom, God named Him- 
self, I am. Error, or Adam, might give names to 
itself, and call Mind by the name of matter, but error 
could neither name nor demonstrate Spirit. The name, 
I am, indicated no personality that could be paralleled 
with it ; but it did declare a mighty individuality, 
even the ever-lasting Father, as infinite consciousness, 
ever-presence, omnipotence; as all law, Life, Truth, 
and Love. 

God's interpretation of Himself furnishes man with 
the only suitable or true idea of Him ; and the divine 
definition of Deity differs essentially from the human. 
It interprets . the law of Spirit, not of matter. It ex- 
plains the eternal dynamics of Being, and shows that 
nature and man are as harmonious to-day as in the 



TRUTH-HEALING. 259 

beginning, when " all things were made by Him and 
without Him was not any thing made." 

Whatever appears to be law, but partakes not of the 
nature of God, is not law, but is what Jesus declared 
it, " a lie, and the father of it." God is the law of Life, 
not of death ; of health, not of sickness ; of good, not 
of evil. It is this infinitude and oneness of Good that 
silences the supposition that evil is a claimant or a 
claim. The consciousness of Good has no consciousness 
or knowledge of evil ; and evil is not a quality to be 
known or eliminated by Good : while iniquity, too evil 
to conceive of good as being unlike itself, declares that 
God knows iniquity ! 

When the Lawgiver was the only law of Creation, 
freedom reigned, and was the heritage of man ; but this 
freedom was the moral power of Good, not of evil : it 
was Divine Science, in which God is supreme, and the 
only Law of Being. In this eternal harmony of Science, 
man is not fallen : he is governed in the same rhythm 
that the Scripture describes, when " the morning stars 
sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy." 



TRUTH-HEALING. 

The spiritual elevator of the human race, physically, 
morally, and Christianly, is the truism that Truth de- 
monstrates good, and is natural ; while error, or evil, 
is really non-existent, and must have produced its own 
illusion, — for it belongs not to nature nor to God. 
Truth is, the power of God which heals the sick and the 
sinner, and is applicable to all the needs of man. It is 
the universal, intelligent Christ-idea illustrated by the 



260 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

life of Jesus, through whose " stripes we are healed." 
By conflicts, defeats, and triumphs, Christian Science has 
been reduced to the understanding of mortals, and found 
able to heal them. 

Pagan mysticism, Grecian philosophy, or Jewish reli- 
gion, never entered into the line of Jesus' thought or 
action. His faith partook not of drugs, matter, nor of 
the travesties of mortal mind. The Divine Mind was 
his only instrumentality and potency, in religion or 
medicine. The Principle of his cure was God, in the 
laws of Spirit, not of matter ; and these laws annulled 
all other laws. 

Jesus knew that erring mortal thought holds only in 
itself the supposition of evil, and that sin, sickness, and 
death are its subjective states ; also, that pure Mind is 
the Truth of Being that subjugates and destroys any 
suppositional or elementary opposite to Him who is All. 

Truth is supreme and omnipotent. Then, whatever 
else seemeth to be intelligence or power is false, delud- 
ing reason and denying revelation, and seeking to 
dethrone Deity. The truth of Mind-healing uplifts 
mankind, by acknowledging pure Mind as absolute and 
entire, and that evil is naught, although it seems to be. 

Pure Mind gives out an atmosphere that heals and 
saves. Words are not always the auxiliaries of Truth. 
The Spirit, and not the letter, performs the vital func- 
tions of Truth and Love. Mind, imbued with this 
Science of healing, is a law unto itself, needing neither 
license nor prohibition ; but lawless mind, with unseen 
motives, and silent mental methods whereby it may 
injure the race, is the highest attenuation of evil. 

Again : evil, as mind, is doomed, already sentenced, 



TRUTH-HEALING. 261 

punished ; for suffering is commensurate with evil, and 
lasts as long as the evil. As mind, evil finds no escape 
from itself ; and the sin and suffering it occasions can 
only be removed by reformation. 

According to divine law, sin and suffering are not 
cancelled by repentance or pardon. Christian Science 
not only elucidates but demonstrates this verity of be- 
ing ; namely, that mortals suffer from the wrong they 
commit, whether intentionally or ignorantly ; that every 
effect and amplification of wrong will revert to the 
wrong-doer, until he pays his full debt to divine law, 
and the measure he has meted is measured to him again, 
full, pressed down, and running over. Surely, " the 
way of the transgressor is hard." 

In this law of justice, the atonement of Christ loses 
no efficacy. Justice is the handmaid of Mercy, and 
slioweth mercy by punishing sin. Jesus said, " I came 
not to destroy the law," — the divine requirements typi- 
fied in the law of Moses, — " but to fulfil it " in right- 
eousness, by Truth's destroying error. No greater type 
of Divine Love can be presented than effecting so 
glorious a purpose. This spirit of sacrifice always has 
saved, and still saves mankind ; but by mankind I mean 
mortals, or a kind of men after, man's own making. 
Man as God's idea is already saved with an everlasting 
salvation. It is impossible to be a Christian Scientist 
without apprehending the moral law so clearly, that, for 
conscience' sake, one will either abandon his claim to 
even a knowledge of this Science, or else make the 
claim valid. All Science is Divine. Then, to be 
Science, it must produce physical and moral harmony. 

Dear Readers, our " Journal " is designed to bring 



262 MISCELLANEOUS WEITLNGS. 

health and happiness to all households wherein it is 
permitted to enter, and to confer increased power to be 
good and to do good. If you wish to brighten so pure a 
purpose, you will aid our prospect of fulfilling it, by your 
kind patronage of "The Christian Science Journal," 
now entering upon its fifth volume, clad in Truth-heal- 
ing's new and costly Spring dress. 



HEAET TO HEART. 

"When the heart speaks, however simple the words, 
its language is always acceptable to those who have 
hearts. 

I just want to say : I thank you, my dear students, 
who are at work conscientiously and assiduously, for the 
good you are doing. I am grateful to you for giving to 
the sick, relief from pain ; for giving joy to the suffer- 
ing and hope to the disconsolate ; for lifting the fallen 
and strengthening the weak, and encouraging the heart 
grown faint with hope deferred. We are made glad by 
the Divine Love which looseth the chains of sickness 
and sin, opening the prison doors to such as are bound ; 
and we should be more grateful than words can express, 
even through this white-winged messenger our '"' Journal." 

With all the homage beneath the skies, yet were our 
burdens heavy but for the Christ-love that makes them 
light, and renders the yoke easy. Having his Word, 
you have little need of words of approval and encour- 
agement from me. Perhaps it is even selfish in me 
sometimes to relieve my heart of its secrets, because I 
take so much pleasure in thus doing ; but if my motives 



THINGS TO BE THOUGHT OF. 263 

are sinister, they will" harm myself only, and I shall 
have the unselfish joy of knowing that the wrong 
motives are not yours, to react on yourselves. 

These two words in Scripture suggest the sweetest 
similes to be found in any language — rock and feathers : 
" Upon this rock I will build my church ; " " He shall 
cover thee with his feathers." How blessed it is to 
think of you as " beneath the shadow of a great rock in 
a weary land," safe in . His strength, building on His 
foundation, and covered from the devOurer by Divine 
protection and affection. Always bear in mind that 
His presence, power, and peace meet all human needs, 
and reflect all bliss. 



THINGS TO BE THOUGHT OF. 

The need of their Teacher's counsel, felt by students, 
especially by those at a distance, working assiduously 
for our common cause, — and their constant petitions 
for the same, should be met in the most effectual way. 

To be responsible for supplying this want, and poise 
the wavering balance on the right side, is impracticable 
without a full knowledge of the environments. The 
educational system of Christian Science lacks the aid 
and protection of State laws. The Science is hampered 
by immature demonstrations, by the infancy of its dis- 
covery, by incorrect teaching ; and especially by unprin- 
cipled claimants, whose mad ambition drives them to 
appropriate my ideas and discovery, without credit, ap- 
preciation, or a single original conception, while they 
•quote from other authors and give them credit for every 
random thought in line with mine. 



234 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

My noble students, who are loyal to Christ, Truth, and 
human obligations, will not be disheartened in the midst 
of this seething sea of sin. They build for time and eter- 
nity. The others stumble over misdeeds, and their own 
unsubstantially, without the groundwork of right, till, 
like camera shadows thrown upon the mists of time, 
they melt into darkness. 

Unity is the essential nature of Christian Science. 
Its principle is One, and to demonstrate the divine One, 
demands oneness of thought and action. 

Many students enter the Normal class of my college 
whom I have not fitted for it by the Primary course. 
They are taught their first lessons by my students ; 
hence the aptness to assimilate pure and abstract Sci- 
ence is somewhat untested. 

" As the twig is bent, the tree 's inclined." As mortal 
mind is directed, it acts for a season. Some students 
leave my instructions before they are quite free from 
the bias of their first impressions, whether those be 
correct or incorrect. Such students are more or less 
subject to the future mental influence of their former 
teacher. Their knowledge of Mind-healing may be 
right theoretically, but the moral and spiritual status 
of thought must be right also. The tone of the teach- 
er's mind must be pure, grand, true, to aid the mental 
development of the student ; for the tint of the instruct- 
or's mind must take its hue from the divine Mind. A 
single mistake in metaphysics, or in ethics, is more 
fatal than a mistake in physics. 

If a teacher of Christian Science unwittingly or 
intentionally offers his own thought, and gives me as 
authority for it ; if he diverges from Science and knows 



THINGS TO BE THOUGHT OF. 265 

it not, or, knowing it, makes the venture from vanity, 
in order to be thought original, or wiser than somebody 
else, — this divergence widens. He grows dark, and 
cannot regain, at will, an upright understanding. This 
error in the teacher also predisposes his students to 
make mistakes and lose their way. Diverse opinions 
in Science are stultifying. All must have one Principle 
and the same rule ; and all who follow the Principle and 
rule have but one opinion of it. 

Whosoever understands a single rule in Science, and 
demonstrates its Principle according to rule, is master 
of the situation. Nobody can gainsay this. The ego- 
tistical theorist or shallow moralist may presume to 
make innovations upon simple proof; but his mistake 
is visited upon himself and his students, whose minds 
are, must be, disturbed by this discord which extends 
along the whole line of reciprocal thought. An error 
in premise can never bring forth the real fruits of 
Truth. After thoroughly explaining spiritual Truth 
and its ethics to a student, I am not morally respon- 
sible for the misstatements or misconduct of this stu- 
dent. My teachings are uniform. Those who abide by 
them do well. If others, who receive the same instruc- 
tion, do ill, the fault is not in the culture but the 
soil. 

I am constantly called to settle questions and disaf- 
fections toward Christian Science growing out of the 
departures from Science of self-satisfied, unprincipled 
students. If impatient of the loving rebuke, the stu- 
dent must stop at the foot of the grand ascent, and 
there remain until suffering compels the downfall of his 
self-conceit. Then that student must struggle up, with 



266 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

bleeding footprints, to the God-crowned summit of un« 
selfish and pure aims and affections. 

To be two-sided, when these sides are moral oppo- 
sites, is neither politic nor Scientific ; and to abridge a 
single human right or privilege is an error. Whoever 
does this may represent me as doing it ; but he mistakes 
me, and the subjective state of his own mind, for mine. 

The true leader of a true cause is the unacknowl- 
edged servant of mankind. Stationary in the back- 
ground, this individual is doing the work that nobody 
else can or will do. An erratic career is like the comet's 
course, dashing through space, headlong and alone. A 
clear-headed and honest Christian Scientist will demon- 
strate the Principle of Christian Science, and hold jus- 
tice and mercy as inseparable from the unity of God. 



UNCHRISTIAN RUMOR. 

The assertion that I have said hard things about my 
loyal students in Chicago, New York, or any other place, 
is utterly false and groundless. I speak of them as I 
feel, and I cannot find it in my heart not to love them. 
They are essentially dear to me, who are toiling and 
achieving success in unison with my own endeavors and 
prayers. If I correct mistakes which may be made in 
teaching or lecturing on Christian Science, this is in 
accordance with my students' desires, and thus we mu- 
tually aid each other, and obey the Golden Rule. 

The spirit of lies is abroad. Because Truth has 
spoken aloud, error, running to and fro in the earth, 
is screaming, to make itself heard above Truth's voice. 



VAINGLORY. 267 

The audible and inaudible wail of evil never harms 
Scientists, steadfast in their consciousness of the noth- 
ingness of wrong and the supremacy of right. 

Our worst enemies are the best friends to our growth. 
Charity students, for whom I have sacrificed the most 
time, — those whose chief aim is to injure me, — have 
caused me to exercise most patience. When they report 
me as " hating those whom I do not love," let them 
remember that there never was a time when I saw an 
opportunity to really help them and failed to improve 
it ; and this, too, when I knew they were secretly striv- 
ing to injure me. 



VAINGLORY. 

Comparisons are odorous. — Shakespeare. 

Through all human history, the vital outcomes ot 
Truth have suffered temporary shame and loss from 
individual conceit, cowardice, or dishonesty. The bird 
whose right wing flutters to soar, while the left beats 
its way downward, falls to the earth. Both wings must 
be plumed for rarefied atmospheres and upward flight. 

Mankind must gravitate from sense to Soul, and hu- 
man affairs should be governed by Spirit, intelligent 
Good. The antipode of Spirit, which we name matter, 
or non-intelligent evil, is no real aid to Being. The pre- 
disposing and exciting cause of all defeat and victory 
under the sun, rests on this scientific basis : that action, 
in obedience to God, spiritualizes man's motives and 
methods, and crowns them with success ; while disobe- 
dience to this Divine Principle, materializes human 
modes and consciousness, and defeats them. 



268 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

Two personal queries give point to human action *. 
Who shall be greatest ? and, Who shall be best ? 
Earthly glory is vain ; but not vain enough to attempt 
pointing the way to Heaven, the harmony of Being. 
The imaginary victories of rivalry and hypocrisy are 
defeats. The Psalmist saith, " Oh that thou hadst 
hearkened to my commandments ! then had thy peace 
been as a river." He is unfit for Truth, and the demon- 
stration of Divine power, who departs from Mind to 
matter, and from Truth to error, in pursuit of better 
means for healing the sick and casting out error. 

The Christian Scientist keeps straight to the course. 
His Avhole inquiry and demonstration lie in the line of 
Truth ; hence he suffers no shipwreck in a starless 
night on the shoals of vainglory. His medicine is 
Mind — the omnipotent and ever-present Good. His 
" help is from the Lord," who heals body and mind, 
head and heart ; changing the affections, enlightening 
the misguided senses, and curing alike the sin and the 
mortal sinner. God's preparations for the sick are 
potions of His own qualities. His therapeutics are an- 
tidotes for the ailments of mortal mind and body. Then 
let us not adulterate His preparations for the sick, with 
material means. 

From lack of moral strength empires fall. Right 
alone is irresistible, permanent, eternal. Remember 
that human pride forfeits spiritual power, and either 
vacillating good or self-assertive error dies of its own 
elements. Through patience we must possess the sense 
of Truth ; and Truth is used to waiting. " Commit thy 
way unto the Lord ; trust also in Him ; and He shall 
bring it to pass." 



VAINGLORY. 269 

By using falsehood to regain his liberty, Galileo vir- 
tually lost it. He cannot escape from barriers who 
commits his moral sense to a dungeon. Hear the Master 
on this subject: "No man can serve two masters; for 
either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he 
will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot 
serve God and mammon." 

Lives there a man who can better define ethics, better 
elucidate the Principle of Being, than he who " spake 
as never man spake," and whose precepts and example 
have a perpetual freshness in relation to human events ? 

Who is it that understands, unmistakably, a fraction 
of the actual Science of Mind-healing ? 

It is he who has fairly proven his knowledge on a 
Christian, mental, Scientific basis; who has made his 
choice between matter and Mind, and proven the divine 
Mind to be the only Physician. These are self-evident 
propositions : That man can only be Christianized 
through Mind ; that without Mind the body is without 
action ; that Science is a law of divine Mind. The con- 
clusion follows that the correct Mind-healing is the 
proper means of Christianity, and is Science. 

Christian Science may be sold in the shambles. Many 
are bidding for it, — but are not willing to pay the price. 
Error is vending itself on trust, well knowing the will- 
ingness of mortals to buy error at par value. The 
Revel ator beheld the opening of this silent mental seal, 
and heard the great Red Dragon whispering that " No 
man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or 
the name of the beast, or the number of his name." 

We are in the Valley of Decision. Then, let us take 
the side of him who " overthrew the tables of the money- 



270 MISCELLANEOUS WHITINGS. 

changers and the seats of such as sold doves," — of such 
as barter integrity and peace for money and fame. What 
artist would question the skill of the masters in sculp- 
ture, music, or painting ? Shall we depart from the 
example of the Master in Christian Science, Jesus of 
Nazareth, — than whom mankind hath no higher ideal? 
He who demonstrated his power over sin, disease, and 
death, is the Master Metaphysician. 

To seek or employ other means than those the Master 
used in demonstrating Life scientifically, is to lose the 
priceless knowledge of his Principle and practice. He 
said, " Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His right- 
eousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." 
Gain a pure Christianity ; for that is requisite for heal- 
ing the sick. Then you will need no other aid, and will 
have full faith in His prophecy, " and there shall be one 
fold, and one Shepherd ; " but, the Word must abide in 
us, if we would obtain that promise. We cannot depart 
from his holy example, — we cannot leave Christ for the 
schools which crucify him, — and yet follow him in heal- 
ing. Fidelity to his precepts and practice is the only 
passport to his power ; and the pathway of goodness and 
greatness runs through the modes and methods of God. 

" He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." 



COMPOUNDS. 

Homceopathy is the last link in material medicine. 
The next step is Mind-medicine. Among the foremost 
virtues of homoeopathy is the exclusion of compounds 
from its pharmacy, and the attenuation of a drug up to 



METAPHYSICAL COLLEGE. 271 

the point of its disappearance as matter and its mani- 
festation in effect as a thought, instead of a thing. 

Students of Christian Science (and many who are not 
students) understand enough of this to keep out of their 
heads the notion that compounded metaphysics (so 
called) is, or can be, Christian Science, — that rests on 
Oneness ; one Cause and one effect. 

They should take our magazine, work for it, write for 
it, and read it. They should eschew all magazines and 
books which are less than the best. 

" Choose you this day whom ye will serve." Cleanse 
your mind of the cobwebs which spurious " compounds " 
engender. Before considering a subject unworthy of 
thought, take in this axiomatic truism : 

" Trust her not, she 's fooling thee ; " and Longfellow 
is right. 



CLOSE OF THE MASSACHUSETTS METAPHYSICAL 
COLLEGE. 

Much is said at this date, 1889, about Mrs. Eddy's 
Massachusetts Metaphysical College being the only 
chartered College of Metaphysics. To make this plain, 
the Publishing Committee of the Christian Scientist 
Association has published in the Boston Traveler the 
following : — 

" To benefit community, and more strongly mark the 
difference between true and false teachers of mental 
healing, the following history and statistics are officially 
submitted : — ■ 

" Rev. Mary Baker G. Eddy obtained a college charter 
in January, 1881, with all the rights and privileges per- 



272 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

taining thereunto (including the right to grant degrees) 
under Act of 1874, Chapter 375, Section 4. 

" This Act was repealed from and after January 31, 
1882. Mrs. Eddy's grant for a college, for metaphysical 
purposes only, is the first on record in history, and no 
charters were granted for similar colleges, except hers, 
from January, 1881, till the repealing of said Act in 
January, 1882. 

" The substance of this Act is at present incorporated 
in Public Statutes, Chapter 115, Section 2, with the fol- 
lowing important restrictions : — In accordance with 
Statutes of 1883, Chapter 268, any officer, agent, or ser- 
vant of any corporation or association, who confers, or 
authorizes to be conferred, any diploma or degree, shall 
be punished by a fine not less than $500, and not more 
than $1,000. 

" All the mind-healing colleges (except Rev. Mrs. 
Eddy's) have simply an incorporated grant, which may 
be called a charter, such as any stock company may ob- 
tain for any secular purposes ; but these so called char- 
ters bestow no rights to confer degrees. Hence to name 
these institutions, under such charters, colleges, is a 
fraudulent claim. There is but one legally chartered 
college of metaphysics, with powers to confer diplomas 
and degrees, and that is the Massachusetts Metaphysical 
College, of which Rev. Mrs. Eddy is founder and presi- 
dent." 

I have endeavored to act toward all students of Chris- 
tian Science, with the intuition and impulse of love. If 
certain natures have not profited by my rebukes, — 
some time, as Christian Scientists, they will know the 
value of these rebukes. I am thankful that the neo- 



METAPHYSICAL COLLEGE. 273 

phyte will be benefited by experience, although it will 
cost him much, and in proportion to its worth. 

I close my college in order to work in other directions, 
where I now seem to be most needed, and where none 
other can do the work. I withdraw from an overwhelm- 
ing prosperity. My students have never expressed so 
grateful a sense of my labors with them as now, and 
never have been so capable of relieving my tasks as at 
present. 

God bless my enemies, as well as the better part of 
mankind, and gather all my students in the bonds of 
love and perfectness, into one grand family of Christ's 
followers. 

Loyal Christian Scientists should go on in their pres- 
ent line of labor for a good and holy cause. Their 
institutes have not yet accomplished all the good they 
are capable of accomplishing ; therefore they should con- 
tinue, as at present, to send out students from these 
sources of education, to promote the growing interest in 
Christian Science Mind-healing. 

There are one hundred and sixty applications lying on 
the desk before me, for the Primary class in the Massa- 
chusetts Metaphysical College, and I cannot do my best 
work for a class which contains that number. When 
these were taught, another and a larger number would 
be in waiting for the same class instruction ; and if I 
should teach that Primary class, the other three classes 
— one Primary and two Normal — would be delayed. 
The work is more than one person can well accomplish, 
and the imperative call is for my exclusive teaching. 

From the scant history of Jesus and of his disciples, 
we have no Biblical authority for a public institution. 

18 



274 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

This point, however, had not impressed me when 1 
opened my college. I desire to revise my book Science 
and Health with Key to the Scriptures, and in order 
to do this I must stop teaching at present. The work 
that needs to be done, and which God calls me to outside 
of college-work, if left undone might hinder the progress 
of our Cause more than my teaching would advance it : 
therefore I leave all for Christ. 

Deeply regretting the disappointment this will occa- 
sion, and with grateful acknowledgments to the public 
for its liberal patronage, I close my college. 

Mary Baker G. Eddy. 



malicious reports. 

Truth has fallen in the street and equity cannot enter. — Isaiah lix. 14. 

When the press is gagged, liberty is besieged ; but 
when the press assumes the liberty to lie, it discounts 
clemency, mocks morality, outrages humanity, breaks 
common law, gives impulse to violence, envy, and hate, 
and prolongs the reign of inordinate, unprincipled clans. 
At this period, 1888, those quill-drivers whose con- 
sciences are in 'their pockets hold high carnival. When 
news-dealers shout for class legislation, and decapitated 
reputations, headless trunks, and quivering hearts, are 
held up before the rabble, in exchange for money, place, 
and power, the vox populi is suffocated, individual rights 
are trodden under foot, and the car of the modern In- 
quisition rolls along the streets besmeared with blood. 
Would not our Master say to the chief actors in scenes 
like these, " Ye fools and blind ! " Oh, tardy human 



LOYAL CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS. 275 

justice ! would you take away even woman's trembling, 
clinging faith in divine power ? Who can roll away the 
stone from the door of this sepulchre ? Who — but 
God's avenging angel ! 

In times like these it were well to lift the veil on the 
sackcloth of home, where weepeth the faithful, stricken 
mother, and the bruised father bendeth his aching head ; 
where the bereft wife or husband silent and alone, looks 
in dull despair at the vacant seat, and the motherless 
little ones, wondering, huddle together, and repeat with 
quivering lips words of strange import. May the Great 
Shepherd, " that tempers the wind to the shorn lamb," 
and binds up the wounds of bleeding hearts, — just 
comfort, encourage, and bless all who mourn. 

Father, we thank Thee that thy light and thy love 
reach earth, open the prison to them that are bound, 
console the innocent, and throw wide the gates of Heaven. 



LOYAL CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS. 

Pen can never portray the satisfaction that you af- 
forded me at the grand meeting in Chicago of the Na- 
tional Christian Scientist Association in 1888. Your 
public and private expressions of love and loyalty were 
very touching. They moved me to speechless thanks. 

Chicago is the wonder of the Western Hemisphere. 
The Palmer House, where we stopped, is magnificent and 
orderly. The servants are well-mannered, and the fare is 
appetizing. The floral offerings sent to my apartments 
were superb, especially the large book of rare flowers, 
and the crescent with a star. 



276 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

The reception in the spacious rooms of the Palmer 
House, like all else, was purely Western in its cordiality 
and largeness. I did not hold interviews with all with 
whom I desired to, solely because so many people and 
circumstances demanded my attention that my person- 
ality was not big enough to fill the order ; but rest 
assured my heart's desire met the demand. 

My students, our delegates, about one thousand 
Christian Scientists, active, earnest, and loyal, formed a 
goodly assemblage for the third convention of our 
National Association, — an assemblage found waiting 
and watching for the full coining of our Lord and 
Christ. 

In Christian Science the midnight hour will always be 
the bridal hour, until " no night is there." The wise 
will have their lamps aglow, and light will illumine the 
darkness. 

Out of the gloom comes the glory of our Lord, and 
His divine Love is found in affliction. When a false 
sense suffers, the true sense comes out, and the bride- 
groom appears. We are then wedded to a purer, higher 
affection and ideal. 

I pray that all my students shall have their lamps 
trimmed and burning at the noon of night, that not one 
of them be found borrowing oil, and seeking light from 
matter instead of Spirit, or at work erroneously, thus 
shutting out spiritual light. Such an error and loss 
will be quickly learned when the door is shut. Error 
giveth no light, and it closes the door on itself. 

In the dark hours, wise Christian Scientists stand 
firmer than ever in their allegiance to God. Wisdom 
is wedded to their love, and their hearts are not troubled. 



LOYAL CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS. 277 

Falsehood is on the wings of the winds, but Truth 
will soar above it. Truth is speaking louder, clearer, 
and more imperatively than ever. Error is walking to 
and fro in the earth, trying to be heard above Truth, 
but its voice dies out in the distance. Whosoever pro- 
claims Truth loudest, becomes the mark for error's 
shafts. The archers aim at Truth's mouthpiece ; but 
a heart loyal to God is patient and strong. Justice 
waits, and is used to waiting ; and right wins the 
everlasting victory. 

The stake and scaffold have never silenced the mes- 
sages of the Most High. Then can the present mode of 
attempting this — namely, by slanderous falsehoods, 
and a secret mind-method, through which to effect the 
purposes of envy and malice — silence Truth ? Never. 
They but open the eyes to the truth of Benjamin 
Franklin's . report before the French Commissioners 
on Mesmerism : " It is one more fact to be recorded in 
the history of the errors of the human mind." 

" God reigns, let the earth rejoice." 

No evidence before the material senses can close my 
eyes to the Scientific proof that God, Good is supreme. 
Though clouds are round about Him, the divine justice 
and judgment are enthroned. Love is especially near 
in times of hate, and never so near as when one can be 
just amid lawlessness, and render good for evil. 

I thunder His law to the sinner, and sharply lighten 
on the cloud of the intoxicated senses. I cannot help 
loathing the phenomena of drunkenness produced by 
Ani malty. I rebuke it wherever I see it. The vision 
of the Revelator is before me. The wines of fornica- 
tion, envy, and hatred are the distilled spirits of evil, 



278 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

and are the signs of these times; but I am not dis- 
mayed, and my peace returns unto me. 

Error will hate more as it realizes more the presence 
of its tormentor. I shall fulfil my mission, fight the 
good fight, and keep the faith. 

There is great joy in this consciousness, that through- 
out my labors, and in my history as connected with the 
cause of Christian Science, it can be proven that I 
have never given occasion for a single censure, when 
my motives and acts are understood and ■ seen as my 
Father seeth them. I once wondered at the Scriptural 
declaration that Job sinned not in all he said, even 
when he cursed the hour of his birth ; but I have learned 
that a curse on sin is always a blessing to the human race. 

Those only who are tried in the furnace reflect the 
image of their Father. You, my beloved students, who 
are absent from me, and have shared less of my labors 
than many others, seem stronger to resist temptation 
than some of those who have had line upon line and 
precept upon precept. This may be a serviceable hint, 
since necessities and God's providence are foreshadowed. 
I have felt for some time that perpetual instruction of 
my students might substitute my own for their growth, 
and so dwarf their experience. If they must learn by 
the things they suffer, the sooner this lesson is gained 
the better. 

For two years I have been gradually withdrawing from 
active membership in the Christian Scientist Associa- 
tion. This has developed higher energies on the part 
of true followers, and led to some startling departures 
on the other hand. " Offences must come, but woe to 
him through whom they come." 



THE MARCH PRIMARY CLASS. 279 

Why does not the certainty of individual punishment 
for sin prevent the wrong action ? When it is the love 
of God, and not the fear of evil, that is the incentive in 
Science. I rejoice with those who rejoice, and am too 
apt to weep with those who weep ; but over and above it 
all are eternal sunshine and joy unspeakable. 



THE MARCH PRIMARY CLASS. 

To the primary class of the Massachusetts Metaphysi- 
cal College, 571 Columbus Avenue, that assembled 
Feb. 25, 1889, with an attendance of sixty-five students. 

My students, three picture-stories from the Bible 
present themselves to my thought ; three of those pic- 
tures from which we learn without study. The first is 
that of Joshua and his band before the walls of Jericho. 
They went seven times around these walls, the seven 
times corresponding to the seven days of creation : the 
six days are to find out the nothingness of matter ; the 
seventh is the day of rest, when it is found that evil is 
naught and good is all. 

The second picture is of the disciples met together 
in an upper chamber ; and they were of one Mind. 
Mark, that in the case of Joshua and his band they had 
all to shout together in order that the walls might fall ; 
and the disciples, too, were of one mind. 

We, to-day, in this class-room, are enough to con- 
vert the world if we are of one Mind ; for then the 
whole world will feel the influence of this Mind ; as 
when the earth was without form, and Mind spake and 
form appeared. 



280 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

The third picture lesson is from Revelation, where, 
at the opening of the seals, one of the angels presented 
himself with balances to weigh the thoughts and actions 
of men ; not angels with wings, but messengers of pure 
and holy thoughts that say, See thou hurt not the holy 
things of Truth. 

You hav T e come to be weighed ; and yet, I would not 
weigh you, nor have you weighed. How is this ? Be- 
cause God does all, and there is nothing in the opposite 
scale. There are not two, — Mind and matter. We 
must get rid of that notion. As we commonly think, 
we imagine all is well if we cast something into the 
scale of Mind, but we must realize that Mind is not put 
into the scales with matter ; then only are we working 
on one side and in Science. 

The students of this primary class, dismissed the 5th 
of March, at close of the lecture on the 4th presented 
their Teacher with an elegant album costing fifty dollars, 
and containing beautiful hand-painted flowers on each 
page, with their autographs. The presentation was 
made in a brief address by Mr. D. A. Easton, who in 
appropriate language and metaphor expressed his fellow- 
students' thanks to their Teacher. 

On the morning of the 5th, I met the class to answer 
some questions before their dismissal, and allude briefly 
to a topic of great import to the student of Christian 
Science, — the rocks and sirens in their course, on and 
by which so many wrecks are made. The doors of animal 
magnetism open wide for the entrance of error, sometimes 
just at the moment when you are ready to enter on the 
fruition of your labors, and with laudable ambition are 
about to chant hymns of victory for triumphs. 



THE MARCH PRIMARY CLASS. 281 

The doors that this animal element flings open are 
those of rivalry, jealousy, envy, revenge. It is the self- 
asserting mortal will power that you must guard against. 
But I find also another mental condition of yours that 
fills me with joy. I learned long ago that the world 
could neither deprive me of something nor give me any- 
thing, and I have now one ambition and one joy. But 
if one cherishes ambition unwisely, one will be chas- 
tened for it. 

Admiral Coligny, in the time of the French Huguenots, 
was converted to Protestantism through a stray copy of 
the Scriptures that fell into his hands. He replied to 
his wife, who urged him to come out and confess his 
faith, " It is wise to count the cost of becoming a true 
Christian. " She answered him : " It is wiser to count 
the cost of not becoming a true Christian." So, what- 
ever we meet that is hard in the Christian warfare we 
must count as nothing, and must think instead, of our 
poverty and helplessness without this understanding, and 
count ourselves always as debtors to Christ, Truth. 

Among the gifts of my students this of yours is one 
of the most beautiful and the most costly, because you 
have signed your names. I felt the weight of this yes- 
terday, but it came to me more clearly this morning 
when I realized what a responsibility you assume when 
subscribing to Christian Science. But, whatever may 
come to you, remember the words of Solomon, " Though 
hand join in hand, the wicked shall not go unpunished: 
but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered." 

You will need, in future, practice more than theory. 
You are going out to demonstrate a living faith, a true 
sense of the infinite Good, a sense that does not limit 



282 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

God, but brings to human view an enlarged sense of 
Deity. Remember, it is personality, and the sense of 
personality in God or in man, that limits man. 



OBTRUSIVE MENTAL HEALING. 

The question will present itself: Shall people be 
treated mentally without their knowledge or consent ? 
The direct rule for practice of Christian Science is the 
Golden Rule, " As ye would that men should do to you, 
do ye." Who of us would have our houses broken open 
or our locks picked ? and much less would we have our 
minds tampered with. 

Our Master said, " When ye enter a house, salute it." 
Prolonging the metaphysical tone of His command, I 
say, When you enter mentally the personal precincts of 
human thought, you should know that the person with 
whom you hold communion desires it. There are soli- 
tary exceptions to most given rules : the following is an 
exception to the above rule of mental practice. 

If the friends of a patient desire you to treat him 
without his knowing it, and they believe in the efficacy 
of Mind-healing, it is sometimes wise to do so, and the 
end justifies the means ; for he is restored through 
Christian Science, when other means have failed. One 
other occasion which may call for aid unsought, is a 
case from accident, when there is no time for ceremony 
and no other aid is near. 

The abuse which I call attention to, is promiscuous 
and unannounced mental practice where there is no 



OBTEUSIVE MENTAL HEALING. 283 

necessity for it, or the motive is mercenary, or one can 
to advantage speak the Truth audibly ; then the case is 
not exceptional. As a rule, one has no more right to 
enter the mind of a person, stir, upset, and adjust his 
thoughts without his knowledge or consent, than one has 
to enter a house, unlock the desk, displace the furniture, 
and suit one's self in the arrangement and management 
of another man's property. 

It would be right to break into a burning building and 
rouse the slumbering inmates, but wrong to burst open 
doors and break through windows if no emergency 
demanded this. Any exception to the old wholesome 
rule, " Mind your own business," is rare. For a student 
of mine to treat another student without his knowledge, 
is a breach of good manners and morals ; it is nothing 
less than a mistaken kindness, a culpable ignorance, or 
a conscious trespass on the rights of mortals. 

I insist on the etiquette of Christian Science, as well 
as its morals and Christianity. The Scriptural rule of 
this Science may momentarily be forgotten ; but this is 
seldom the case with loyal students, or done without 
incriminating the person who did it. 

Each student should, must, work out his own problem 
of being ; conscious, meanwhile, that God worketh with 
him, and that he needs no personal aid. It is the 
genius of Christian Science to demonstrate good, not 
evil, — harmony, not discord ; for Science is the mandate 
of Truth, which destroys all error. 

Whoever is honestly laboring to learn the principle 
of music and practise it, seldom calls on his teacher or 
musician to practise for him. The only personal help 
required in this Science is for each one to do his 



284 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

own work well, and never try to hinder others from 'doing 
theirs thus. 

Christian Science, more than any other system of 
religion, morals, or medicine, is subject to abuses. Its 
infinite nature and uses occasion this. Even the 
humanitarian at work in this field of limitless power and 
good may possess a zeal without knowledge, and thus 
mistake the sphere of his present usefulness. 

Students who strictly adhere to the right, and make 
the Bible and Science and Health a study, are in no 
danger of mistaking their way. 

This question is often proposed, " How shall I treat 
malicious animal magnetism ? " The hour has passed 
for this evil to be treated personally, but it should have 
been so dealt with at the outset. Christian Scientists 
should have gone personally to the malpractioner and 
told him his fault, and vindicated divine Truth and Love 
against human error and hate. This growing sin must 
now be dealt with as evil, and not as an evil-doer or per- 
sonality. It must also be remembered that either an 
evil claim or an evil person is not real, hence that 
neither is to be feared nor honored. 

Evil is not something to fear and flee before, or that 
becomes more real when it is grappled with. Evil let 
alone grows more real, aggressive, and enlarges its 
claims ; but, met with Science, it can and will be mas- 
tered by Science. 

I deprecate personal animosities and quarrels. But if 
one is intrusted with the rules of church government, to 
fulfil that trust, those rules must be carried out ; thus it 
is with all moral obligations. I am opposed to all per- 
sonal attacks, and in favor of combating evil only, rather 
than person. 



WEDLOCK. 285 

An edition of one thousand pamphlets I ordered to 
be laid away and not one of them circulated, because I 
had been personal in condemnation. Afterwards, by a 
blunder of the gentleman who fills orders for my books, 
some of these pamphlets were mistaken for the corrected 
edition, and sold. 

Love is the fulfilling of the law. Human life is too 
short for foibles or failures. The Christian Science 
Journal will hold high the banner of Truth and Love, 
and be impartial and impersonal in its tenor and 
tenets. 



WEDLOCK. 

It was about the year 1875 that Science and Health 
first crossed swords with free-love, and the latter fell 
hors de combat ; but the whole warfare of sensuality was 
not then ended. Science and Health, the book that 
cast the first stone, is still at work deeply down in human 
consciousness, laying the axe at the root of error. 

We have taken the precaution to write briefly on 
marriage, showing its relation to Christian Science. 
In the present or future, some extra throe of error may 
conjure up a new-style conjugality, which, ad libitum, 
severs the marriage covenant, puts virtue in the sham- 
bles, and coolly notifies the public of broken vows. 
Springing up from the ashes of free-love, this nonde- 
script phoenix, in the face and eyes of common law, 
common sense, and common honesty, may appear in the 
role of a superfine conjugality ; but, having no Truth, it 
will have no past, present, or future. 



286 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

The above prophecy, written years ago, has already 
been fulfilled. It is seen in Christian Science that the 
gospel of marriage is not without the law, and the 
solemn vow of fidelity " until death do us part;" this 
verity in human economy can neither be obscured nor 
throttled. Until time matures human growth, marriage 
and progeny will continue unprohibited in Christian 
Science. We look to future generations for ability to 
comply with absolute Science, when marriage shall be 
found to be man's oneness with God, — the unity of 
eternal Love. At present, more spiritual conception 
and education of children will serve to illustrate the 
superiority of spiritual power over sensuous, and usher 
in the dawn of God's creation, wherein they neither 
marry nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels. 
To abolish marriage at this period, and maintain morality 
and generation, would put ingenuity to ludicrous shifts ; 
yet this is possible in Science, although it is to-day 
problematic. 

The time cometh, and now is, for spiritual and eternal 
existence to be recognized and understood in Science. 
All is Mind. Human procreation, birth, life, and death 
are subjective states of the human erring mind ; they 
are the phenomena of mortality, nothingness, that illus- 
trate mortal mind and body as one, and neither real nor 
eternal. 

It should be understood that Spirit, God, is the only 
Creator : we should recognize this verity of being, and 
shut out all sense of other claims. Until this absolute 
Science of Being is seen, understood, and demonstrated 
in the offspring of divine Mind, and man is perfect even 
as the Father is perfect, human speculation will go on, 



WEDLOCK. 287 

and stop at length at the spiritual ultimate: creation 
understood as the most exalted divine conception. The 
offspring of an improved generation, however, will go 
out before the forever fact, that man is eternal, and has 
no human origin. Hence the Scripture : " it is He that 
made us, and not we ourselves " ; and the Master's 
demand, " Call no man your father upon earth : for one 
is your Father, which is in heaven." 

To an ill-attuned ear, discord is harmony ; so personal 
sense, discerning not the legitimate affection of Soul, 
may place love on a false basis and thereby lose it. 
Science corrects this error with the truth of Love, and 
restores lost Eden. Soul is the infinite Source of bliss : 
only high and holy joy can satisfy immortal cravings. 
The good in human affections should preponderate over 
the evil, and the spiritual over the animal, — until pro- 
gress lifts mortals to discern the Science of mental 
formation, and find the highway of holiness. 

In the order of Wisdom, the higher nature of man 
governs the lower. This lays the foundations of human 
affection in line with progress, giving them strength and 
permanence. 

When asked by a wife or a husband important ques- 
tions concerning their happiness, the substance of my 
reply is: God will guide you. Be faithful over home 
relations ; they lead to higher joys : obey the golden rule 
for human life, and it will spare you much bitterness. 
It is pleasanter to do right than wrong ; it makes one 
ruler over one's self and hallows home, — which is 
woman's world. Please your husband, and he will be 
apt to please you ; preserve affection on both sides. 

Great mischief comes from attempts to steady other 



288 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

people's altars, venturing on valor without discretion, 
which is virtually meddlesomeness. Even your sincere 
and courageous convictions regarding what is best for 
others may be mistaken ; you must be demonstratively 
right yourself, and work out the greatest good to the 
greatest number, before you are sure of being a fit coun- 
sellor. Positive and imperative thoughts should be 
dropped into the balances of God and weighed by 
spiritual Love, and not be found wanting, before being 
put into action. A rash conclusion that regards, only 
one side of a question, is weak and wicked ; this error 
works out the results of error. If the premise of mortal 
existence is wrong, any conclusion drawn therefrom is 
not absolutely right. Wisdom in human action begins 
with what is nearest right under the circumstances, and 
thence achieves the absolute. 

Is marriage nearer right than celibacy ? 

Human knowledge inculcates that it is, while Science 
indicates that it is not. But to force the consciousness 
of scientific being before it is understood is impossible, 
and believing otherwise would prevent scientific demon- 
stration. To reckon the universal cost and gain, as 
well as thine own, is right in every state and stage of 
being. The selfish rdle of a martyr is the shift of a dis- 
honest mind, nothing short of self-seeking ; and real 
suffering would stop the farce. 

The cause of temperance receives a strong impulse 
from the cause of Christian Science : temperance and 
truth are allies, and their cause prospers in proportion 
to the spirit of Love that nerves the struggle. People 
will differ in their opinions as to means to promote the 
ends of temperance ; that is, abstinence from intoxicat- 



WEDLOCK. 289 

ing beverages. Whatever intoxicates a man, stultifies 
and causes him to degenerate physically and morally. 
Strong drink is unquestionably an evil, and evil cannot 
be used temperately : its slightest use is abuse ; hence 
the only temperance is total abstinence. Drunkenness 
is sensuality let loose, in whatever form it is made 
manifest. 

What is evil ? It is a suppositional absence of good. 
From a human standpoint of good, mortals must first 
choose between evils, and of two evils choose the less ; 
and at present the application of scientific rules to hu- 
man life seems to rest on this basis. 

All partnerships are formed on agreements to certain 
compacts : each party voluntarily surrenders independ- 
ent action to act as a whole, and per agreement. This 
fact should be duly considered when by the marriage 
contract two are made one, and according to the divine 
precept, " they twain shall be one flesh." Oneness in 
spirit is Science, compatible with home and heaven. 
Neither Divine justice nor human equity has divorced 
two minds in one. 

Rights that are bargained away must not be retaken 
by the contractors, except by mutual consent. Human 
nature has bestowed on a wife the right to become a 
mother ; but if the wife esteems not this privilege, by 
mutual consent, exalted and increased affections, she 
may win a higher. Science touches the conjugal ques- 
tion on the basis of a bill of rights. Can the bill of 
Conjugal Rights be fairly stated by a magistrate, or by 
a minister ? Mutual interests and affections are the 
spirit of these Rights, and they should be consulted, 
augmented, and allowed to rise to the spiritual altitude 
whence they can choose only good. 

19 



290 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

A third person is riot a party to the compact of two 
hearts. Let other people's marriage relations alone: 
two persons only, should be found within their precincts. 
The nuptial vow is never annulled so long as the animus 
of the contract is preserved intact. Science lifts hu- 
manity higher in the scale of harmony, and must ulti- 
mately break all bonds that hinder progress. 



JUDGE NOT. 

Mistaken views ought to be dissolving views, since 
whatever is false should disappear. To suppose that hu- 
man love, guided by the divine Principle, which is Love, 
is partial, unmerciful, or unjust, indicates misapprehen- 
sion of the divine Principle and its workings in the hu- 
man lie art. 

A person wrote to me, naming the time of the occur- 
rence, " I felt the influence of your thought on my mind, 
and it produced a wonderful illumination, peace, and 
understanding " ; — but, I had not thought of the writer 
at that time. I knew that this person was doing well, 
and my affections involuntarily flow out towards all. 

When will the world cease to judge of causes from a 
personal sense of things, conjectural and misapprehen- 
sive ! When thought dwells in God, — and it should not, 
to our consciousness, dwell elsewhere, — one must bene- 
fit those who hold a place in one's memory, whether it 
be friend or foe, and each share the benefit of that 
radiation. This individual blessedness and blessing, 
comes not so much from individual as from universal 
love : it emits light because it reflects ; and all who are 
receptive share this equally. 



JUDGE NOT. 291 

Mistaken or transient views are human : they are not 
governed by the Principle of divine Science : but the 
notion that a mind governed by Principle can be forced 
into personal channels, affinities, self-interests, or obliga- 
tions, is a grave mistake : it dims the true sense of God's 
reflection, and darkens the understanding that demon- 
strates above personal motives, unworthy aims and 
ambitions. 

Too much and too little is attached to me as authority 
for other people's thoughts and actions. A tacit acqui- 
escence with others' views, is often construed as direct 
orders, — or at least it so appears in results. I desire 
the equal growth and prosperity of all Christian Scien- 
tists, and the world in general ; each and every one 
has equal opportunity to be benefited by my thoughts 
and writings. If any are not partakers thereof, this is 
not my fault, and is far from my desire : the possible 
perversion of Christian Science, is the irony of fate if 
the spirit thereof be lacking. I would part with a bless- 
ing myself to bestow it upon others, but could not de- 
prive them of it. False views, however engendered, 
relative to the true and unswerving course of a Christian 
Scientist, will at length dissolve into thin air. The dew 
of heaven will fall gently on the hearts and lives of all 
who are found worthy to suffer for righteousness, — and 
have taught the Truth which is energizing, refreshing, 
and consecrating mankind. 

To station justice and gratitude as sentinels along the 
lines of thought, would aid the solution of this problem, 
and counteract the influence of envious minds or the 
misguided individual who keeps not watch over his emo- 
tions and conclusions. 



292 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 



NEW COMMANDMENT. 



The divinity of St. John's gospel brings to view over- 
whelming tides of revelation, and its spirit is baptis- 
mal ; he wrote : " A new commandment I give unto you, 
That you love one another." 

Jesus, who so loved the world that he gave his life 
(in the flesh) for it, saw that love had a new command- 
ment even for him. What was it ? 

It must have been a rare revelation of infinite Love, a 
new tone on the scale ascending, such as eternity is ever 
sounding. Could I impart to the student the higher 
sense I entertain of Love, it would partly illustrate the 
divine energy that brings, to human weakness, might and 
majesty. Divine Love eventually causes mortals to turn 
away from the open sepulchres of sin, and look no more 
into them as realities. It calls loudly on them to bury 
the dead out of sight ; to forgive and forget whatever is 
unlike the risen, immortal Love ; and to shut out all op- 
posite sense. Christ enjoins it upon man to help those 
who know not what he is doing in their behalf, and there- 
fore curse him ; enjoins taking them by the hand and 
leading them, if possible, to Christ, by loving words and 
deeds. Charity thus serves as admonition and instruc- 
tion, and works out the purposes of Love. 

Christian Science, full of grace and Truth, is accom- 
plishing great good, both seen and unseen ; but have 
mortals, with the penetration of Soul, searched the 
secret chambers of sense ? I never knew a student who 
fully understood my instructions on this point, of hand- 
ling evil, as to just how this should be done, and carried 



A CKUCE SALUS. 293 

out my ideal. It is safe not to teach prematurely the 
infant thought in Christian Science — just breathing 
new Life and Love — all the claims and modes of evil ; 
therefore, it is best to leave the righteous unfolding of 
error (as a general rule) alone, and to the special care of 
the unerring modes of divine Wisdom. This uncover- 
ing and punishing of sin must, will come, at some 
date, to the rescue of humanity. The teacher of Divine 
Metaphysics should impart to his students the general 
knowledge that he has gained from instruction, observa- 
tion, and mental practice. 

Experience weighs in the scales of God the sense and 
power of Truth, against the opposite claims of error. 
If spiritual sense is not dominant in a student, he will 
not understand all your instructions ; and if evil domi- 
nates his character, he will pervert the rules of Christian 
Science, and the last error will be worse than the first — 
inasmuch as wilful transgression brings greater torment 
than ignorance. 



A CRUCE SALUS. 

The sum total of Love reflected, is exemplified, and 
includes the whole duty of man: Truth perverted, in 
belief, becomes the creator of the claim of error. To 
affirm mentally and audibly that God is all and there is 
no sickness and no sin, makes mortals either saints or 
sinners. 

Truth talked and not lived, rolls on the human heart 
a stone ; consigns sensibility to the charnel house of 
sensuality, ease, self-love, self-justification, there to 
moulder and rot. 



294 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

The noblest work of God, is man in the image of his 
Maker : the last infirmity of evil, is so-called man 
swayed by the maelstrom of human passions, elbowing 
the concepts of his own creating, making place for him- 
self and displacing his fellows.. 

A real Christian Scientist is a marvel, a miracle in 
the universe of mortal mind. With selfless love, he 
inscribes on the heart of humanity and transcribes on 
the page of reality, the living, palpable presence — the 
might and majesty! — of goodness. He lives for all 
mankind, and honors his Creator. 

The vice versa of this man is sometimes called a man, 
but he is a small animal : a hived bee with sting ready 
for each kind touch, he makes honey out of the flowers 
of human hearts and hides it in his cell of ingrati- 
tude. 

friendly hand! keep back thy offerings from asps 
and apes, from wolves in sheep's clothing, and all raven- 
ing beasts. Love such specimens of mortality just 
enough to reform and transform them, — if it be possi- 
ble, — and then, look out for their stings, and jaws, and 
claws ; but thank God and take courage, — that you 
desire to help even such as these. 



COMPARISON TO ENGLISH BARMAIDS. 

Since my residence in Concord, N. H., I have read 
the daily paper, and had become an admirer of Edgar 
L. Wakeman's terse, graphic, and poetic style in his 
"Wanderings," richly flavored with the true ideas of 
humanity and equality. In an issue of January 17, 



COMPARISON TO ENGLISH BARMAIDS. 295 

however, were certain references to American women 
which deserve and elicit brief comment. 

Mr. Wakeman writes from London, that a noted Eng- 
lish leader, whom he quotes without naming, avers that 
the " cursed barmaid system " in England is evolved by 
the same power which in America leads women " along 
a gamut of isms and ists, from female suffrage, past a 
score of reforms, to Christian Science." This anony- 
mous talker further declares, that the central cause of 
this " same original evil " is " a female passion for some 
manner of notoriety." 

Is Mr. AVakeman awake, and caught napping ? While 
praising the Scotchman's national pride and affection, 
has our American correspondent lost these sentiments 
from his own breast ? Has he forgotten how to honor 
his native land and defend the dignity of her daughters 
with his ready pen and pathos ? 

The flaunting and floundering statements of the great 
unknown for whose ability and popularity Mr. Wakeman 
strongly vouches, should not only be queried but flatly 
contradicted, as both untrue and uncivil. English senti- 
ment is not wholly represented by one man. Nor is the 
world ignorant of the fact that high and pure ethi- 
cal tones do resound from Albion's shores. The most 
advanced ideas are inscribed on tablets of such an 
organization as the Victoria Institute, or Philosophical 
Society of Great Britain, an institution which names 
itself after her who is unquestionably the best queen on 
earth ; who for a half century has with such dignity, 
clemency, and virtue, worn the English crown and 
borne the English sceptre. 

Now, I am a Christian Scientist, — the Founder of 



296 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

this System of Religion. — widely known ; and, by spe- 
cial invitation, have allowed myself to be elected an 
associate life-member of the Victoria Institute, which 
numbers among its constituents and managers — not 
barmaids, but bishops — profound philosophers, brilliant 
scholars. 

Was it ignorance of American society and history, 
together with unfamiliarity with the work and career 
of American women, which led the unknown author 
cited by Mr. Wakeman to overflow in shallow sarcasm, 
and place the barmaids of English alehouses and rail- 
ways in the same category with noble women who min- 
ister in the sick room, give their time and strength to 
binding up the wounds of the broken-hearted, and live 
on the plan of heaven ? 

This writer classes Christian Science with theosophy 
and spiritualism ; whereas, they are by no means iden- 
tical — nor even similar. Christian Science, antagonis- 
tic to intemperance, as to all immorality, is by no means 
associated therewith. Do manly Britons patronize tap- 
rooms and lazar-houses, and thus note or foster a fem- 
inine ambition which, in this unknown gentleman's 
language, " poises and poses, higgles and wriggles " 
itself into publicity ? Why fall into such patronage, 
unless from their affinity for the worst forms of 
vice ? 

And the barmaids ! Do they enter this line of occu- 
pation from a desire for notoriety and a wish to promote 
female suffrage ? or are they incited thereto by their 
own poverty and the bad appetites of men ? What 
manner of man is this unknown individual who utters 
barmaid and Christian Scientist in the same breath ? 



A CHRISTIAN SCIENCE STATUTE. 297 

If he but knew whereof he speaks, his shame would 
not lose its blush ! 

Taking into account the short time that has elapsed 
since the discovery of Christian Science, one readily 
sees that this Science has distanced all other religious 
and pathological systems for physical and moral refor- 
mation. In the direction of Temperance, it has achieved 
far more than has been accomplished by legally coercive 
measures, — and because this Science bases its work on 
ethical conditions, and mentally destroys the appetite 
for alcoholic drinks. 

Smart journalism is allowable, nay, it is commend- 
able; but the public cannot swallow reports of Ameri- 
can affairs from a beer-bulged surly censor ventilating 
his lofty scorn of the sects, or societies, of a nation that 
perhaps he has never visited. 



A CHRISTIAN SCIENCE STATUTE. 

I hereby state, in unmistakable language, the follow- 
ing statute in the morale of Christian Science : — 

A man or woman having voluntarily entered into 
wedlock, and accepted the claims of the marriage cove- 
nant, is held in Christian Science as morally bound to 
fulfil all the claims growing out of this contract, unless 
such claims are relinquished by mutual consent of both 
parties, or this contract is legally dissolved. If the man 
is dominant over the animal, he will count the conse- 
quences of his own conduct; will consider the effects, 
on himself and his progeny, of selfishness, unmerciful- 
ness, tyranny, or lust. 



298 MISCELLANEOUS WHITINGS. 

Trust Truth, not error; and Truth will give you all 
that belongs to the rights of freedom. The Hebrew 
bard wrote, " Trust in the Lord with all thine heart ; 
and lean not unto thine own understanding." Nothing 
is gained by wrongdoing: Saint Paul's words take in 
the situation : " Not . . . (as we be slanderously re- 
ported, and as some affirm that we say), Let us do evil, 
that good may come, whose damnation is just." 

When causing others to go astray, we also are wan- 
derers. " With what measure ye mete, it shall be 
measured to you again." Ask yourself: Under the 
same circumstances, in the same spiritual ignorance 
and power of passion, would I be strengthened by hav- 
ing my best friend break troth with me ? These words 
of Saint Matthew have special application to Christian 
Scientists, namely : " It is not good to marry." 

To build on selfishness is to build on sand. When 
Jesus received the material rite of water baptism, he 
did not say that it was God's command ; but implied 
that the period demanded it. Trials purify mortals and 
deliver them from themselves, — all the claims of sen- 
suality. Abide by the morale of absolute Christian 
Science, — self-abnegation and purity ; then Truth de- 
livers you from the seeming power of error, and faith 
vested in righteousness triumphs! 



ADVICE TO STUDENTS. 

The true consciousness is the true health. One says, 
" I find relief from pain in unconscious sleep." I say, 
You mistake : through /Unconsciousness, one no more 
gains freedom from pain than immunity from evil. 



ADVICE TO STUDENTS. 299 

When unconscious of a mistake, one thinks he is not 
mistaken ; bat this false consciousness does not change 
the fact, or its results : suffering and mistakes recur 
until one is awake to their cause and character. To 
know the what, when, and how of error, destroys error. 
The error that is seen aright as error, has received its 
death-blow ; but never until then. 

Let us look through the lens of Christian Science, 
not of " self," at the following mistake, which demands 
our present attention. I have no time for detailed re- 
port of this matter, but simply answer the following 
question sent to me ; glad, indeed, that this query has 
finally come with the courage of conviction to the 
minds of many students. 

" Is it right to copy your works and read them for 
our public services?" 

The Good which the material senses see not is the 
only absolute Good : the evil which these senses see 
not is the only absolute evil. 

If I enter Mr. Smith's store and take from it his gar- 
ments that are on sale, array myself in them, and put 
myself" and them on exhibition, can I make this right 
by saying, These garments are Mr. Smith's ; he manu- 
factured them and owns them, but you must pay me, 
not him, for this exhibit ? 

The spectators may ask, Did he give you permission 
to do this, did he sell them or loan them to you ? No. 
Then have you asked yourself this question on the sub- 
ject, namely, What right have I to do this ? True, it 
saves your purchasing these garments, and gives to the 
public new patterns which are useful to them ; but does 
this silence your conscience ? or, because you have con- 



300 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

fessed that they are the property of a noted firm, and 
you wished to handle them, does it justify you in ap- 
propriating them, and so avoiding the cost of hiring or 
purchasing ? 

Copying my published works verbatim, compiling 
them in connection with the Scriptures, taking this 
copy into the pulpit, announcing the author's name, 
then reading it publicly as your own compilation, is — 
what? 

We answer, It is a mistake ; in common parlance, it 
is an ignorant wrong. 

If you should print and publish your copy of my 
works, you would be liable to arrest for infringement of 
copyright, which the law defines and punishes as theft. 
Reading in the pulpit from copies of my publications, 
gives you the clergyman's salary, and spares you the 
printer's bill ; but does it spare you our Master's con- 
demnation ? You literally publish my works through 
the pulpit, instead of the press, and thus evade the law, 
hut not the gospel. When I consent to this act, you will 
then be justified in it. 

Your manuscript copy is liable, in some way, to be 
printed as your original writings, thus incurring the 
penalty of the law, and increasing the record of theft 
in the United States Circuit Court. 

To the Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, which I 
had organized and of which I had for many years been 
pastor, I gave permission to cite, in the Christian Sci- 
ence Quarterly, from my work Science and Health, 
passages giving the spiritual meaning of Bible texts ; 
but this was a special privilege, and the Author's Gift. 

Christian Science demonstrates that the patient who 



ADVICE TO STUDENTS. 301 

pays whatever he is able to pay for being healed, is more 
apt to recover than he who withholds a slight equiva- 
lent for health. Healing morally and physically are 
one. Then, is compiling and delivering that sermon 
for which you pay nothing, and which you deliver with- 
out the author's consent, and receive pay therefor, the 
precedent for preaching Christian Science, — and are 
you doing to the author of the above-named book, as 
you would have others do unto you ? 

Those authors and editors of pamphlets and periodi- 
cals whose substance is made up of my publications, are 
morally responsible for what the law construes as crime. 
There are startling instances of the above-named law- 
breaking and gospel-opposing system of authorship, 
which characterize the writings of a few professed 
Christian Scientists. My Christian students who have 
read copies of my works in the* pulpit require only a 
word, to be wise ; too sincere and morally statuesque are 
they, to be long led into temptation ; but I must not 
leave persistent plagiarists without this word of warning 
in public, since my private counsel they disregard. 

To the question of my true-hearted students, " Is it 
right to copy your works and read them for our public 
services?" I answer : It is not right to copy my book 
and read it publicly without my consent. My reasons are 
as follows : — 

First : This method is an unseen form of injustice 
standing in a holy place. 

Second : It breaks the Golden Rule, — a Divine rule 
for human conduct. 

Third : All error tends to harden the heart, blind 
the eyes, stop the ears of understanding, and inflate 



302 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

self ; counter to the commands of our hillside Priest, to 
whom Isaiah alluded thus : " I have trodden the wine- 
press alone ; and of the people there was none with me." 

Behind the scenes lurks an evil which you can prevent : 
it is a purpose to kill the reformation begun and increas- 
ing through the instructions of Science and Health 
with Key to the Scriptures; it encourages infringe- 
ment of my copyright, and seeks again to " cast lots 
for His vesture," — while the perverter preserves in his 
own consciousness and teaching, the name without the 
Spirit, the skeleton without the heart, the form without 
the comeliness, the sense without the Science, of Christ's 
Healing. My students are expected to know the teach- 
ing of Christian Science sufficiently to discriminate be- 
tween error and Truth, thus sparing their teacher a task, 
and themselves the temptation to be misled. 

Much good has been accomplished through Christian 
Science Sunday services. If Christian Scientists oc- 
casionally mistake in interpreting revealed Truth, of 
two evils the less would be not to leave the Word un- 
spoken and untaught. I allowed, till this permission 
was withdraivn, students working faithfully for Christ's 
cause on earth, the privilege of copying and reading my 
works for Sunday service ; provided, they each and all 
destroyed the copies at once after said service. When 
I should so elect and give suitable notice, they were to 
desist from further copying of my writings as aforesaid. 

This injunction did not curtail the benefit which the 
student derived from making his copy, nor detract from 
the good that his hearers received from his reading 
thereof ; but it was intended to forestall the possible 
evil of putting the divine teachings contained in Science 



NOTICE. 303 

and Health with Key to the Scriptuees into human 
hands, to subvert or to liquidate. 

I recommend that students stay within their own fields 
of labor, to work for the race : they are lights that can- 
not be hid, and need only to shine from their home sum- 
mits, to be sought and found as healers physical and 
moral. 

The kindly shepherd has his own fold, and tends his 
own flock. Christian students should have their own 
Institutes, and, unmolested, be governed by divine Love 
alone, in teaching and guiding their students. When 
Wisdom garrisons these strongholds of Christian Sci- 
ence, peace and joy, the fruits of Spirit, will rest upon 
us all. We are brethren in the 'fullest sense of that 
word ; therefore no queries should arise as to " who 
shall be greatest." Let us serve instead of rule, knock 
instead of push at the door of human hearts, and allow 
to each and every one the same rights and privileges 
that we claim for ourselves. If ever I wear out from 
serving students, it shall be in the effort to help them to 
obey the Ten Commandments, and imbibe the spirit of 
Christ's Beatitudes. 



NOTICE. 
Editor of Christian Science Journal. 

You will oblige me by giving place in your " Journal " 
to the following notice. The idea and purpose of a 
Liberty Bell is pleasing, and can be made profitable to 
the heart of our country. I feel assured that many 
Christian Scientists will respond to this letter by con 
tributions. Mary Baker Eddy. 



304 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

Columbian Liberty Bell Committee, 

1505 Penna. Ave., Washington, D. C. 

To the Daughters of the American Revolution : 

It has been determined to create a Columbian Liberty 
Bell to be placed by the lovers of liberty and peace .in 
the most appropriate place in the coming World's Ex- 
position at Chicago. After the close of the Exhibition 
this bell will pass from place to place throughout the 
world as a missionary of freedom, coming first to the 
capital of the nation under the care of our society. 

Then it will go to Bunker Hill or Liberty Island, to 
the battlefield of New Orleans (1812), to San Francisco, 
to the place where any great patriotic celebration is 
being held, until 1900, when it will be sent to the next 
World's Exhibition, which takes place at Paris, France 
There it will continue until that Exhibition closes. 

When not in use in other places, it will return to 
Washington under the care of the Daughters of the 
American Revolution. Washington will be its home, 
and from there it will journey from place to place, ful- 
filling its mission throughout the world. 

The following is the proposed use of the bell : It shall 
ring at sunrise and sunset ; at nine o'clock in the morn- 
ing on the anniversaries of the days on which great 
events have occurred marking the world's progress 
toward liberty ; at twelve o'clock on the birthdays of 
the " creators of liberty ; " and at four o'clock it will 
toll on the anniversaries of their death. (It will always 
ring at nine o'clock on October 11th, in recognition of 
the organization on that day of the Daughters of the 
American Revolution.) . . . The responsibility of its 
production, and the direction of its use, have been 



NOTICE. 305 

placed in the hands of a committee of women represent- 
ing each State and Territory, one representative from 
each Republic in the world, and a representative from 
the patriotic societies, — Daughters and Sons of the 
American Revolution, tjie Lyceum League of America, 
the Society of German Patriots the Human Freedom 
League, and kindred organizations. 

The National Board of Management has placed upon 
me the responsibility of representing the National 
Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution 
upon the General Committee, and this circular is sent 
to every member of the Society, asking for her personal 
co-operation in making the undertaking successful. In 
creating the bell it is particularly desired that the 
largest number of persons possible shall have a part in 
it. For this reason small contributions from many per- 
sons are to be asked for, rather than large contributions 
from a few. They are to be of two kinds: — 

First. Material that can be made a part of the bell ; 
articles of historic interest will be particularly appre- 
ciated — gold, silver, bronze, copper, and nickel can be 
fused. 

Second. Of money with which to pay for the bell. 
Each member of the Society is asked to contribute one 
cent to be fused into the bell, and twenty-five cents to 
pay for it. She is also asked to collect two dollars from 
others, in pennies, if possible, and send with the amount 
the name of each contributor. In order that the bell 
shall be cast April 30th, the anniversary of the inaugu- 
ration of George Washington as the first President of 
the United States, we ask every one receiving this cir- 
cular to act at once. 

20 



306 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

In forwarding material to be melted into the bell, 
please send fullest historical description. This will be 
entered carefully in a book which will accompany the 
bell wherever it goes. 

... As the motto has not yet been decided upon, any 
ideas on that subject will be gratefully received ; we 
will also welcome suggestions of events to be celebrated 
and names to be commemorated. 

Very cordially yours, 
Mary Desha, 
Ex- Vice-President General, D. A. R. 

Contributions should be sent to the Liberty National 
Bank, corner Liberty and West streets, New York, and 
a duplicate letter written, as a notification of the same, 
to Miss Mary Desha, 1505 Penna. Ave., Washington, 
D. C, or to Miss Minnie F. Mickley, Mickleys, Pa. 

We would add, as being of interest, that Mrs. Eddy is 
a member of the above organization, having been made 
such by the special request of the late Mrs. Harrison, 
wife of the Ex-President, who was at that time the presi- 
dent thereof. — Ed. 



ANGELS. 

When angels visit us, we do not hear the rustle of 
wings, nor feel the feathery touch of the breast of a 
dove; but we know their presence by the love they 
create in our hearts. Oh, may you feel this touch, — it 
is not the clasping of hands, nor a loved person present ; 
it is more than this : it is a spiritual idea that lights 
your path ! The Psalmist saith : " He shall give his 



DEIFICATION OF PERSONALITY. 307 

angels charge over thee." God gives you His spiritual 
ideas, and in turn, they give you daily supplies. Never 
ask for to-morrow : it is enough that divine Love is an 
ever-present help ; and if you wait, never doubting, you 
will have all you need every moment. What a glorious 
inheritance is given to us through the understanding of 
omnipresent Love ! More we cannot ask : more we do 
not want: more we cannot have. This sweet assurance 
is the " Peace, be still " to all human fears, to suffering 
of every sort. 



DEIFICATION OF PERSONALITY. 

Notwithstanding the rapid sale already of two editions 
of " Christ and Christmas," and many orders on hand, I 
have thought best to stop its publication. 

In this revolutionary religious period, the increasing 
inquiry of mankind as to Christianity and its unity, — 
and above all, God's love opening the eyes of the blind, 
— is fast fitting all minds for the proper reception of 
Christian Science Healing. 

But I must stand on this absolute basis of Christian 
Science ; namely, Cast not pearls before the unprepared 
thought. Idolatry is an easily-besetting sin of all peo- 
ples. The apostle saith : " Little children, keep your- 
selves from idols." 

The illustrations were not intended for a golden calf, 
at which the sick may look and be healed. Christian 
Scientists should beware of unseen snares, and adhere- 
to the divine Principle and rules for demonstration. 
They must guard against the deification of finite person- 
ality. Every human thought must turn instinctively to 



308 MISCELLANEOUS AVEITLXGS. 

the divine Mind as its sole centre and Intelligence. 
Until this be done, man will never be found harmonious 
and immortal. 

Whosoever looks to me personally for his health or 
holiness, mistakes. He that by reason of human love or . 
of hatred or any other cause clings to my material per- 
sonality, greatly errs, stops his own progress, and loses 
the path to health, happiness and heaven. The Scrip- 
tures and Christian Science reveal the Way, and per- 
sonal revelators will take their proper place in history, 
but will not be deified. 

Advanced Scientific students are ready for u Christ 
and Christmas " ; but those are a minority of its readers, 
and even they know its practicality only by healing the 
sick on its divine Principle. In the words of the apostle, 
" Hear, Israel ; the Lord our God is one Lord." 

Friends, strangers, and Christian Scientists, I thank 
you each and all for your liberal patronage, and 
scholarly, artistic and scientific notices of my book. 
This little messenger has done its work, fulfilled its 
mission, retired with honor (and mayhap taught me 
more than it has others), only to reappear in due 
season. The knowledge that I have gleaned from its 
fruitage, is, that intensely contemplating personality 
impedes spiritual growth ; even as holding in mind 
the consciousness of disease prevents the recovery of 
the sick. 

Christian Science is taught through its divine Prin- 
ciple which is invisible to corporeal sense. A material 
human likeness is the antipode of man in the image and 
likeness of God. Hence, a finite person is not the model 
for a Metaphysician. I earnestly advise all Christian 



DEIFICATION OF PERSONALITY. 309 

Scientists to remove from their observation or study 
the personal sense of any one, and not to dwell in 
thought upon their own, or others' corporeality, either 
as good or evil. 

According to Christian Science, material personality 
is an error in premise, and must result in erroneous 
conclusions. All will agree with me that material por- 
traiture often fails to express even mortal man, and this 
declares its unfitness for fable or fact to build upon. 

The face of Jesus has uniformly been so unnaturally 
delineated that it has turned many from the true con- 
templation of his character. He advances most in 
Divine Science who meditates most on infinite spiritual 
substance and Intelligence. Experience proves this true. 
Pondering on the finite personality of Jesus, the son of 
man, is not the channel tli rough which we reach the 
Christ, or Son of God, the true idea of man's divine 
Principle. 

I warn students against falling into the error of anti- 
Christ. The consciousness of corporeality, and whatever 
is connected therewith, must be outgrown. Corporeal 
falsities include all obstacles to health, holiness, and 
Heaven. Man's individual life is infinitely above a 
bodily form of existence, and the human concept an- 
tagonizes the Divine. " Science and Health with Key 
to the Scriptures," on page 228, third and fourth para- 
graphs, elucidates this topic. 

My Christmas poem and its illustrations are not a text- 
book. Scientists sometimes take things too intensely. 
Let them soberly adhere to the Bible and " Science and 
Health " which contain all and much more than they 
have yet learned. We should prohibit ourselves the 



310 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

childish pleasure of studying Truth through the senses, 
for this is neither the intent of my works nor possible 
in Science. 

Even the teachings of Jesus would be misused by sub- 
stituting personality for the Christ, or the impersonal 
form of Truth, amplified in this age by the discovery of 
Christian Science. To scientifically impersonalize the 
material sense of existence — rather than cling to per- 
sonality — is the lesson of to-day. 



A CARD. 

My answer to manifold letters relative to the return 
of members that have gone out of The First Church of 
Christ, Scientist, in Boston, is this. While my affec- 
tions plead for all, and every one, and my desire is that 
all shall be redeemed, I am not unmindful that the 
Scriptures enjoin : " All things shall be done decently 
and in order." 

To continue one's connection with this church, or to 
regain it, one must comply with the Church Rales. All 
who desire its fellowship, and to become members of it, 
must send in their petitions to this effect, to the Clerk 
of the Church ; and upon a meeting being called, The 
First Members will determine the action of the Church 
on this subject. 

OVERFLOWING THOUGHTS. 

In this receding year of Religious Jubilee, 1894, 1 as 
an individual, would cordially invite all persons who 
have left our fold, together with those who never have 



OVERFLOWING THOUGHTS. 311 

been in it, — all who love God and keep his command- 
ments, — to come and unite with the Mother Church in 
Boston. The true Christian Scientists will be welcomed, 
greeted as brethren endeavoring to walk with us hand 
in hand, as we journey to the Celestial City. 

Also, I would extend a tender invitation to Christian 
Scientists' students, those who are ready for the table of 
our Lord : so, should we follow Christ's teachings ; so, 
bury the dead past ; so, loving one another, go forth to 
the full vintage-time, exemplifying what we profess. 
But some of the older members are not quite ready to 
take this advanced step in the full spirit of that charity 
which thinketh no evil ; and if it be not taken thus, it 
is impractical, unfruitful, Soul-less. 

My deepest desires, and daily labors, go to prove that 
I love my enemies, and would help all to gain the abid- 
ing consciousness of health, happiness, and Heaven. 

I hate no one ; and love others more than they can 
love me. As I now understand Christian Science, I 
would as soon harm myself as another ; since by break- 
ing Christ's command, " Thou shalt love thy neighbor as 
thyself," T should lose my hope of Heaven. 

The works I have written on Christian Science contain 
absolute Truth, and my necessity was to tell it ; there- 
fore I did this even as a surgeon who wounds to heal. 
I was a scribe under orders ; and who can refrain from 
transcribing what God indites, and ought not that one 
to take the cup, drink all of it, and give thanks ? 

Being often reported as saying what never escaped 
from my lips, when rehearsing facts concerning others 
who were reporting mistakes, false charges, I have been 
sorry, and wished I were wise enough to guard against 



312 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

that temptation. Oh, may the love that is talked, be 
felt ! and so lived, that when weighed in the scales of 
God we be not found wanting. Love is consistent, uni- 
form, sympathetic, self-sacrificing, unutterably kind ; 
even that which lays all upon the altar, and, speechless 
and alone, bears all burdens, suffers all inflictions, 
endures all piercing for you and for the Kingdom of 
Heaven. 



A GREAT MAN AND HIS SAYING. 

Hon. Charles Carrol Bonney, President of the 
World's Congress Auxiliary, in his remarks before that 
body, said : " No more striking manifestation of the 
interposition of Divine Providence in human affairs has 
come in recent years, than that shown in the raising up 
of the body of people known as Christian Scientists, 
who are called to declare the real harmony between 
religion and Science, and to restore the waning faith of 
many in the verities of the sacred Scriptures." 

In honest utterance of veritable history, and his own 
spiritual discernment, this man must have risen above 
worldly schemes, human theorems or hypotheses, to 
conclusions which reason too supine or misemployed can- 
not fasten upon. He spake inspired ; he touched a tone 
of truth that will continue to reverberate and renew its 
emphasis throughout the entire centuries, into the vast 
forever. 



CHURCH AND SCHOOL. 313 



WORDS OF COMMENDATION. 

Editor of the Christian Science Journal: Permit 
me to say that your editorial in the August number is 
par excellence. 

It is a digest of good manners, morals, methods, and 
means. It points to the scientific spiritual molecule, 
pearl, and pinnacle, that everybody needs. May the 
Christ-likeness it reflects rest on the dear readers, and 
throw the light of penetration on the page ; even as the 
dawn, kindling its glories in the east, lightens earth's 
landscape. 

I thank the contributors to the Christian Science 
Journal for their jewels of thought so adapted to the 
hour, and without ill-humor, or hyperbolic tumor. I 
was impressed by the articles entitled " The New Pas- 
tor," by Rev. Lanson P. Norcross, " The Lamp," by 
Walter Church, " The Temptation," a poem by J. J. 
Rome, etc. 

The field waves its white ensign, the reapers are 
strong, the rich sheaves are ripe, the storehouse is 
ready : pray ye therefore the God of harvest to send 
forth more laborers of the excellent sort, and garner 
the supplies for a world. 



CHURCH AND SCHOOL. 

Humbly, and, as I believe, divinely directed, I hereby 
ordain the Bible, and Science and Health with Key 
to the Scriptures, to be hereafter the only Pastor of 



314 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

the Church of Christ, Scientist, throughout our land, 
and in other lands. 

From this date, the Sunday services of our denomina- 
tion shall be conducted by Readers, in lieu of pastors. 
Each church, or society formed for Sunday worship, 
shall elect two Readers : a male, and a female. One of 
these individuals shall open the meeting by reading the 
hymns, and chapter (or portion of the chapter) in the 
Bible, lead in silent prayer, and repeat in concert with 
the congregation the Lord's Prayer. Also, this First 
Reader shall give out any notices from the pulpit, shall 
read the Scriptures indicated in the Sunday-school les- 
son of the " Christian Science Quarterly," and shall pro- 
nounce the benediction. 

The Second Reader shall read from my Book, Science 
and Health with Key to the Scriptures, alternately 
in response to the congregation, the Spiritual interpre- 
tation of the Lord's Prayer; also, shall read all the 
selections from Science and Health, referred to in the 
Sunday-school Lessons. 

The Reader of the Scriptures shall name, at each 
reading, the book, chapter, and verses. The Reader of 
Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, 
shall commence by announcing the full title of this 
book, with the name of its author, and add to this 
announcement the Christian Science text-book. It is 
unnecessary to repeat the title or page. This form shall 
also be observed at the Communion service ; the selec- 
tions from both the Bible and the Christian Science 
text-book shall be taken from the Quarterly, as here- 
tofore, and this lesson shall be such as is adapted to 
that service. On the first Sunday of each month, ex- 



CHURCH AND SCHOOL. 315 

cept Communion Sunday, a sermon shall be preached 
to the children, from selections taken from the Scrip- 
tures and " Science and Health," especially adapted to 
the occasion, and read after the manner of the Sunday 
service. The children's service shall be held on the 
Sunday following Communion Day. 

No copies from my books are allowed to be written, 
and read from manuscripts, either in private or in pub- 
lic assemblies, except by their author. 

Christian Scientists in the United States, who are let- 
terly fit, and specially spiritually fitted, for teachers, can 
teach annually three classes only. They shall teach from 
the Christian Science text-book. Each class shall consist 
of not over thirty-three students, carefully selected, and 
only of such as have promising proclivities toward 
Christian Science. The teacher shall hold himself 
morally obligated to look after the welfare of his 
students, not only through class term, but after it ; 
and to watch well that they prove sound in sentiment, 
health, and practical Christianity. 

Teaching Christian Science shall be no question of 
money, but of morals and of uplifting the race. Teachers 
shall form Associations for this purpose ; and for the 
first few years, convene as often as once in three months. 
Teachers shall not silently mentally address the thought, 
to handle it, nor allow their students to do thus, except 
the individual needing it asks for mental treatment. 
They shall steadily and patiently strive to educate their 
students in conformity to the unerring wisdom and law 
of God, and shall enjoin upon them habitually to study 
His revealed Word, the Scriptures, and " Science and 
Health with Key to the Scriptures." 



316 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

They shall teach their students how to defend them- 
selves against mental malpractice, but never to return 
evil for evil ; never to attack the malpractioner, but 
to know the Truth that makes free, — and so to be a 
law, not unto others, but, themselves. 



CLASS, PULPIT, STUDENTS' STUDENTS. 

When will you take a class in Christian Science or 
speak to your Church in Boston ? is often asked. 

I shall speak to my dear Church at Boston very 
seldom. The Mother Church must be self-sustained 
by God. The date of a class in Christian Science 
should depend on the fitness of things, the tide which 
flows Heavenward, the hour best for the student. Un- 
til minds become less worldly-minded, and depart fur- 
ther from the primitives of the race, and have profited 
up to their present capacity from the written Word, 
they are not ready for the Word spoken at this date. 

My juniors can tell others what they know, and turn 
them slowly toward the haven. Imperative, accumula- 
tive, sweet demands rest on my retirement from life's 
bustle. What, then, of continual recapitulation of tired 
aphorisms, and disappointed ethics ; of patching breaches 
widened the next hour ; of pounding wisdom and love 
into sounding brass ; of warming marble and quench- 
ing volcanoes ! Before entering the Massachusetts 
Metaphysical College, had my students achieved the 
point whence they could have derived most benefit from 
their pupilage, to-day there would be on earth paragons 
of Christianity, patterns of humility, wisdom, and might 
for the world. 



CLASS, PULPIT, STUDENTS' STUDENTS. 317 

To the students whom I have not seen that ask 
" May I call you mother ? " my heart replies, Yes, if 
you are doing God's work. When born of Truth and 
Love, we are all of one kindred. 

The hour has struck for Christian Scientists to do 
their own work ; to appreciate the signs of the times ; 
to demonstrate self-knowledge and self-government; 
and to demonstrate, as this period demands, over all 
sin, disease, and death. The dear ones whom I would 
have great pleasure in instructing, know that the door, 
to my teaching was shut when my college closed. 

Again, it is not absolutely requisite for some people 
to be taught in a class, for they can learn by spiritual 
growth, and by the study of what is written. Scarcely a 
moiety, compared with the whole of the Scriptures and 
the Christian Science text-book, is yet assimilated 
spiritually by the most faithful seekers ; yet this assi- 
milation is indispensable to the progress of every 
Christian Scientist. These considerations prompt my 
answers to the above questions. Human desire is 
inadequate to adjust the balance on subjects of such 
earnest import. These words of our Master explain 
this hour : " What I do thou knowest not now ; but thou 
shalt know hereafter." 

My sympathies are deeply enlisted for the students 
of students ; having already seen in many instances 
their talents, culture, and singleness of purpose to 
uplift the race. Such students should not pay the 
penalty for other people's faults ; and divine Love will 
open the way for them. My soul abhors injustice, and 
loves mercy. Saint John writes : " Whom God hath 
sent speaketh the words of God ; for God giveth not 
the Spirit by measure unto him." 



318 MISCELLANEOUS WETTINGS. 



MY STUDENTS AND THY STUDENTS. 

Mine and thine are obsolete terms in absolute Chris- 
tian Science, wherein and whereby the universal brother- 
hood of man is stated and demands to be demonstrated. 
I have a large affection, not alone for my students, but 
for thy students, — for students of the second genera- 
tion. I cannot but love some of those devoted students 
better than some of mine, who are less lovable or 
Christly. This natural affection for goodness must go on 
ad libitum unto the third and fourth and final generation 
of those who love God and keep His commandments. 
Hence the following is an amendment of the paragraph 
on page 58, of " Retrospection and Introspection " : — 

Any student having received instructions in a Primary 
class from me, or from a loyal student of Christian 
Science, and afterwards studied thoroughly " Science 
and Health with Key to the Scriptures," can enter upon 
the gospel work of teaching Christian Science, and so 
fulfil the command of Christ. Before entering this 
sacred field of labor, the student must have studied 
faithfully the latest editions of my works, and be a good 
Bible scholar, and a devout, consecrated Christian. 

These are the indispensable demands on all those who 
become teachers. 



UNSEEN SIN. 

Two points of danger beset mankind ; namely, either 
making sin seem too large, or too little : if too large, we 



A WORD TO THE WISE. 319 

are in the darkness of all the ages, wherein the true 
sense of the unity of good and the unreality of evil are 
lost. 

If good is God, even as God is good, then good and 
evil can neither be coeval nor coequal, for God is All in 
all ; this closes the argument of aught besides Him, 
aught else than good. 

If the sense of sin is too little, mortals are in danger 
of not seeing their own belief in sin, but of seeing too 
keenly their neighbor's. Then they are beset with 
egotism and hypocrisy. Here Christian Scientists must 
be most watchful. Their habit of mental and audible 
protest against the reality of sin, tends to make sin less 
or more to them than to other people. They must either 
be overcoming sin in themselves, or they must not lose 
sight of sin, else they are self-deceived sinners of the 
worst sort. 



A WORD TO THE WISE. 

Will all the dear Christian Scientists accept my 
tender greetings for the forthcoming holidays, and grant 
me this request, — let the present season pass without 
one gift to me? 

Our church edifice must be built in 1894. Take 
thither thy saintly offerings and lay them in the out- 
stretched hand of God. The object to be won affords 
ample opportunity for the grandest achievement to which 
Christian Scientists can direct attention, and feel them- 
selves alone among; the stars. 



320 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

No doubt must intervene between the promise and 
event ; faith and resolve are friends to Truth ; seize 
them, trust the Divine providence, push upward our 
prayer in stone, — and God will give the benediction. 



CHRISTMAS. 

This interesting day, crowned with the history of 
Truth's idea, — its earthly advent and nativity, — is 
especially dear to the heart of Christian Scientists ; to 
whom Christ's appearing in a fuller sense is so precious, 
and fraught with divine benedictions for mankind. 

The star that looked lovingly down on the manger of 
our Lord lends its resplendent light to this hour : the 
light of Truth ; to cheer, guide, and bless man, as he 
reaches forth for the infant idea of divine perfection 
dawning upon human imperfection, — that calms man's 
fears, bears his burdens, beckons him on to Truth and 
Love and the sweet immunity these bring from sin, 
sickness, and death. 

This polar star, fixed in the heavens of Divine Sci- 
ence, shall be the sign of his appearing who " healeth 
all our diseases ; " it hath traversed night, wading 
through darkness and gloom, on to glory. It doth meet 
the antagonism of error ; addressing to dull ears and 
undisciplined beliefs words of Truth and Life. 

The star of Bethlehem is the star of Boston, high in 
the zenith of Truth's domain, that looketh down on the 
long night of human beliefs, to pierce the darkness and 
melt into dawn. 

The star of Bethlehem is the light of all ages ; is the 
light of Love, to-day christening religion undefined, 



CARD. 321 

Divine Science ; giving to it a new name, and the white 
stone in token of purity and permanence. 

The wise men follow this guiding star ; the watchful 
shepherd chants his welcome over the cradle of a great 
Truth, and saith, " Unto us a child is born," whose birth 
is less of a miracle than eighteen centuries ago ; and u his 
name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty 
God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." 

My heart is filled with joy, that each receding year 
sees the steady gain of Truth's idea in Christian Science ; 
that each recurring year witnesses the balance adjusted 
more on the side of God, the supremacy of Spirit ; as 
shown by the triumphs of Truth over error, of Health 
over sickness, of Life over death, and of Soul over sense. 

" The time cometh, and now is, when they that wor- 
ship the Father shall worship Him in Spirit and in 
Truth." "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ 
Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." 
" Fear not, little flock ; for it is your Father's good 
pleasure to give you the kingdom." 

Press on, press on ! ye sons of light, 
Untiring in your holy fight, 
Still treading each temptation down, 
And battling for a brighter crown." 

CARD. 

In reply to all invitations from Chicago to share the 
hospitality of their beautiful homes at any time during 
the great wonder of the world, the World's Fair, 1 say : 
Do not expect me. I have no desire to see or to hear 
what is to be offered upon this approaching occasion. 

21 



322 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

I ha.ve a world of Wisdom and Love to contemplate, 
that concerns me, and you, infinitely beyond all earthly 
expositions or exhibitions. In return for your kindness, 
I earnestly invite you to its contemplation with me, and 
to preparation to behold it. 

MESSAGE TO MOTHER CHURCH. 

Beloved Brethren, — People coming from a dis- 
tance expecting to hear me speak in the Mother Church, 
are frequently disappointed. To avoid this, I may here- 
after notify the Directors when I shall be present to 
address this congregation, and the clerk of the Church 
can inform correspondents. Your dual and impersonal 
pastor, the Bible, and Science and Health with Key to 
the Scriptures, is with you ; and the life these give, the 
Truth they illustrate, the Love they demonstrate, is 
the great Shepherd that feecleth my flock, and leadeth 
them " beside the still waters." By any personal pres- 
ence, or word of mine, your thought must not be 
diverted or diverged, your senses satisfied, or self 
be justified. 

Therefore, beloved, my often-coming is unnecessary; 
for, though I be present or absent, it is God that feedeth 
the hungry heart, that giveth grace for grace, that 
healeth the sick and cleanseth the sinner. For this 
consummation He hath given you Christian Science, 
and my past poor labors and love. He hath shown you 
the amplitude of His mercy, the justice of His judgment, 
the omnipotence of His Love ; and this, to compensate 
your zealous affection for seeking Good, and for labor- 
ing in its widening grooves from the infinitesimal to the 
Infinite. 



CHAPTER IX. 
THE FRUIT OF SPIRIT. 
. AN ALLEGORY. 

PICTURE to yourself " a city set upon a hill," a ce- 
lestial city above all clouds, in serene azure and 
unfathomable glory : having no temple therein, 
for God is the temple thereof ; nor need of the sun, neither 
of the moon, for God doth lighten it. Then from this 
sacred summit behold a Stranger wending his way down- 
ward, to where a few laborers in a valley at the foot of 
the Mountain are working and watching for his coming. 

The descent and ascent are beset with peril, priva- 
tion, temptation, toil, suffering. Venomous serpents 
hide among the rocks, beasts of prey prowl in the path, 
wolves in sheep's clothing are ready to devour ; but 
the Stranger meets and masters their secret and open 
attacks with serene confidence. 

The Stranger eventually stands in the valley at the 
foot of the Mountain. He saith unto the patient toilers 
therein : " What do ye here ? Would ye ascend the 
Mountain, — climbing its rough cliffs, hushing the hiss- 
ing serpents, taming the beasts of prey, — and bathe in 
its streams, rest in its cool grottos, and drink from its 
living fountains ? The way winds and widens in the 
valley ; up the hill it is straight and narrow, and few 
there be that find it." 



324 MISCELLANEOUS WHITINGS. 

His converse with the watchers and workers in the 
valley closes, and he makes his way into the streets of 
a city made with hands. 

Pausing at the threshold of a palatial dwelling, he 
knocks and waits. The door is shut. He hears the 
sounds of festivity and mirth ; youth, manhood, and 
age gayly tread the gorgeously tapestried parlors, danc- 
ing halls, and banquet rooms. But a little while, and 
the music is dull, the wine is unsipped, the footfalls 
abate, the laughter ceases. Then from the window of 
this dwelling a face looks out, anxiously surveying Him 
who waiteth at the door. 

Within this mortal mansion are adulterers, fornica- 
tors, idolaters ; drunkenness, witchcraft, variance, envy, 
emulation, hatred, wrath, murder. Appetites and pas- 
sions have so dimmed their sight that he alone who 
looks from that dwelling, through the clearer pane of his 
own heart tired of sin, can see the Stranger. 

Startled beyond measure at beholding him, this mortal 
inmate withdraws ; but growing more and more troubled, 
he seeks to leave the odious company and the cruel 
walls, and to find the Stranger. Stealing cautiously 
away from his comrades, he departs : then turns back, 
— he is afraid to go on and to meet the Stranger. 
So he returns to the house, only to find the lights all 
wasted and the music fled. Finding no happiness within, 
he rushes again into the lonely streets, seeking peace but 
finding none. Naked, hungry, athirst, this time he 
struggles on, and at length reaches the pleasant path of 
the valley at the foot of the Mountain, whence he may 
hopefully look for the reappearance of the Stranger, 
and receive his heavenly guidance. 



AN ALLEGORY. 325 

The Stranger enters a massive carved stone mansion, 
and saith unto the dwellers therein, " Blessed are the 
poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven." 
But the j understand not his saying. 

These are believers of different sects, and of no sect ; 
some, so-called Christian Scientists in sheep's clothing ; 
and all " drunken without wine." They have small 
conceptions of spiritual riches, few cravings for the im- 
mortal, but are puffed up with the applause of the 
world : they have plenty of pelf, and fear not to fall 
upon the Stranger, seize his pearls, throw them away, 
and afterwards try to kill him. 

Somewhat disheartened, he patiently seeks another 
dwelling, — only to find its inmates asleep at noontide ! 
Robust forms, with manly brow nodding on cushioned 
chairs, their feet resting on footstools, or, flat on their 
backs, lie stretched on the floor, dreaming away the 
hours. Balancing on one foot, with eyes half open, the 
porter starts up in blank amazement and looks at the 
Stranger, calls out, rubs his eyes, — amazed beyond 
measure that anybody is animated with a purpose, and 
seen working for it ! 

They in this house are those that " provoke Him in 
the wilderness, and grieve Him in the desert." Away 
from this charnel-house of the so-called living, the 
Stranger turns quickly and wipes off the dust from 
his feet, as a testimony against sensualism in its myriad 
forms. As he departs, he sees robbers finding ready 
ingress to that dwelling of sleepers in the midst of 
murderous hordes, without watchers, and with doors 
unbarred ! 

Next he enters a place of worship, and saith unto 



326 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

them, " Go ye into all the world, preach the gospel, heal 
the sick, cast out devils, raise the dead ; " for the 
Scripture saith, " The law of the spirit of life in Christ 
Jesus hath made you free from the law of sin and 
death." And they cast Mm out. 

Once more he seeks the dwelling-place of mortals 
and knocks loudly. The door is burst open, and suffer- 
ers shriek for help : that house is on fire ! The -flames 
caught in the dwelling of luxury, where the blind saw 
them not, but the flesh at length did feel them ; thence 
they spread to the house of slumberers who heeded them 
not, until they became unmanageable ; fed by the fat of 
hypocrisy and vainglory, they consumed the next dwell- 
ing ; then crept unseen into the synagogue, licking up 
the blood of martyrs, and wrapping their altars in ruins. 
" God is a consuming fire." 

Thus are all mortals, under every hue of circum- 
stances, driven out of their houses of clay and, homeless 
wanderers in a beleaguered city, forced to seek the 
Father's house, if they would be led to the valley and 
up the Mount. 

Seeing the wisdom of withdrawing from those who 
persistently rejected him, the Stranger returned to the 
valley; first, to meet with joy his own, to wash their 
feet, and take them up the Mountain. Well might this 
heavenly messenger exclaim, " 0, Jerusalem, Jerusalem ! 
thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which 
are sent unto thee. . . . Behold, your house is left unto 
you desolate ! " 

Discerning in his path the penitent one who had 
groped his way from the dwelling of luxury, the Stran- 
ger saith unto him, " Wherefore comest thou hither ? " 



AX ALLEGOKY. 327 

He answered, " The sight of thee unveiled my sins, and 
turned my misnamed joys to sorrow. When I went 
back into the house to take something out of it, my mis- 
ery increased ; so I came hither, hoping that I might 
follow thee whithersoever thou goest." 

And the Stranger saith unto him, " Wilt thou climb 
the Mountain, and take nothing of thine own with thee ? " 

He answered, " I will." 

" Then," saith the Stranger, " thou hast chosen the 
good part ; follow me." 

Many there were who had entered the valley to specu- 
late in worldly policy, religion, politics, finance, and to 
search for wealth and fame. These had heavy baggage 
of their own, and insisted upon taking all of it with 
them, which must greatly hinder their ascent. 

The journey commences. The encumbered travellers 
halt and disagree. They stoutly belay those who, hav- 
ing less baggage, ascend faster than themselves, and 
betimes burden them with their own. Despairing of 
gaining the summit, loaded as they are, they conclude to 
stop and lay down a few of the heavy weights, — but 
only to take them up again, more than ever determined 
not to part with their baggage. 

All this time the Stranger is pointing the way, show- 
ing them their folly, rebuking their pride, consoling 
their afflictions, and helping them on, saying, " He that 
loseth his life for my sake, shall find it." 

Obstinately holding themselves back, and sore-footed, 
they fall behind and lose sight of their guide ; when, 
stumbling and grumbling, and fighting each other, they 
plunge headlong over the jagged rocks. 

Then he who has no baggage goes back and kindly 



328 MISCELLANEOUS WEITLNGS. 

binds up their wounds, wipes away the blood stains, and 
would help them on ; but suddenly the Stranger shouts, 
" Let them alone ; they must learn from the things 
they suffer. Make thine own way ; and if thou strayest, 
listen for the mountain-horn, and it will call thee back 
to the path that goeth upward." 

Dear reader, dost thou suspect that the valley is hu- 
mility, that the Mountain is Heaven-crowned Christian- 
ity, and the Stranger, the ever-present Christ, the 
Spiritual Idea, which from the summit of bliss surveys 
the vale of the flesh to burst the bubbles of earth with 
a breath of Heaven, and acquaint sensual mortals with 
the mystery of godliness, unchanging, unquenchable 
Love? Hast not thou heard this Christ knock at the 
door of thine own heart, and closed it against Truth, to 
" eat and drink with the drunken " ? Hast thou been 
driven by suffering to the foot of the Mount, but earth- 
bound, burdened by pride, sin, and self , hast thou turned 
back, stumbled, fallen, and gone to its foot? Or hast 
thou tarried in the habitation of the senses, pleased and 
stupefied, until wakened through the baptism of fire? 

He alone ascends the hill of Christian Science who 
follows the way-shoWer, the spiritual presence and idea 
of God. Whatever obstructs the way, — causing to 
stumble, fall, or faint, those mortals who are striving 
to enter the path, — Divine Love will remove; and up- 
lift the fallen and strengthen the weak. Therefore, give 
up thy earth-weights ; and observe the apostle's admoni- 
tion, " forgetting those things which are behind, and 
reaching forth unto those which are before." Then, loving 
God supremely and thy neighbor as thyself, thou wilt 
safely bear thy cross up to the throne of everlasting glory. 



VOICES OF SPRING. 329 



VOICES OF SPRING. 



Mine is an obstinate penchant for Nature, in all her 
moods and forms, a satisfaction with whatever is hers. 
And what shall this be named, a weakness, or a — ■ 
virtue ? 

In spring, Nature like a thrifty housewife sets the 
earth in order ; and between taking up the white car- 
pets and putting down the green ones, her various 
apartments are dismally dirty. 

Spring is my sweetheart, whose voices are sad or glad, 
even as the heart may be ; restoring in memory the 
sweet rhythm of unforgotten harmonies, or touching ten- 
derly its tearful tones. 

Spring passes over mountain and meadow, waking up 
the world ; weaving the wavy grass, nursing the timid 
spray, stirring the soft breeze ; rippling all nature in 
ceaseless flow, with " breath all odor and cheek all 
bloom." Whatever else droops, Spring is gay : her 
little feet trip lightly on, turning up the daisies, paddling 
the water-cresses, rocking the oriole's cradle ; challeng- 
ing the sedentary shadows to activity, and the streams 
to race for the sea. Her dainty fingers put the fur cap 
on pussy-willow, paint in pink the petals of arbutus, and 
sweep in soft strains her orphean lyre. " The voice of 
the turtle is heard in our land." The snow-bird that 
tarried through the storm, now chirps to the breeze : the 
cuckoo sounds her invisible lute, calling the feathered 
tribe back to their summer homes. Old robin, though 
stricken to the heart with winter's snow, prophesies of 
fair earth and sunny skies. The brooklet sings melting 



330 MISCELLANEOUS WEITLNGS. 

murmurs to merry meadows : the leaves clap their hands, 
and the winds make melody through dark pine groves. 

What is the anthem of human life ? 

Has love ceased to moan over the new-made grave, 
and, looking upward, does it patiently pray for the per- 
petual springtide wherein no arrow wounds the dove ? 
Human hope and faith should join in nature's grand 
harmony, and, if on minor key, make music in the heart. 
And man, more friendly, should call his race as gently 
to the springtide of Christ's dear love. St. Paul wrote, 
" Rejoice in the Lord always." And why not, since 
man's possibilities are infinite, bliss is eternal, and the 
consciousness thereof is here and now ? 

The alders bend over the streams to shake out their 
tresses in the water-mirrors ; let mortals bow before the 
Creator, and, looking through Love's transparency, behold 
man in God's own image and likeness, arranging in the 
beauty of holiness each budding thought. It is good to 
talk with our past hours, and learn what report they 
bear, and how they might have reported more spir- 
itual growth. With each returning year, higher joys, 
holier aims, a purer peace and diviner energy, should 
freshen the fragrance of being. Nature's first and last 
lessons teach man to be kind, and even pride should 
sanction what our natures need. Popularity, — what is 
it ? A mere mendicant that boasts and begs, and God 
denies charity. 

When gentle violet lifts its blue eye to heaven, and 
crown imperial unveils its regal splendor to the sun ; 
when the modest grass, inhabiting the whole earth, 
stoops meekly before the blast ; when the patient corn 
waits on the elements to put forth its slender blade, 



VOICES OF SPRING. 331 

construct the stalk, instruct the ear, and crown the full 
corn in the ear, — then, are mortals looking up, waiting 
on God, and committing their way unto Him who tosses 
earth's mass of wonders into their hands ? When down- 
trodden like the grass, did it make them humble, loving, 
obedient, full of good odor, and cause them to wait 
patiently on God for man's rich heritage, — "dominion 
over all the earth " ? Thus abiding in Truth, the 
warmth and sunlight of prayer and praise and under- 
standing will ripen the fruits of Spirit, and goodness 
will have its springtide of freedom and greatness. 

When the white-winged dove feeds her callow brood, 
nestles them under her wings, and, in tones tremulous 
with tenderness, calls them to her breast, do mortals 
remember their cradle hymns, and thank God for those 
redemptive words from a mother's lips which taught 
them the Lord's Prayer ? 

gentle Presence, peace and joy and power; 

O Life divine that owns each waiting hour ; 

Thou Love that guards the nestling's faltering flight I 

.Keep Thou my child on upward wing to-night. 

'Midst the falling leaves of old-time faiths, above 
the frozen crust of creed and dogma, the Divine Mind- 
force, filling all space and having all power, upheaves 
the earth. In sacred solitude, Divine Science evolved 
nature as thought, and thought as things. This supreme 
potential Principle reigns in the realm of the real, and 
is " God with us," the I AM. 

As mortals awake from their dream of material 
sensation, this adorable, all-inclusive God, and all earth's 
hieroglyphics of Love, are understood ; and infinite Mind 



332 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

is seen kindling the stars, rolling the worlds, reflecting 
all space and Life, — but not life in matter. Wisely 
governing, informing the universe, this Mind is Truth, — 
not laws of matter. Infinitely just, merciful, and wise, 
this Mind is Love, — but not fallible love. 

Spring is here ! and doors that closed on Christian 
Science in " the long winter of our discontent," are open 
flung. Its seed time has come to enrich earth, and 
enrobe man in righteousness ; may its sober-suited Au- 
tumn follow with hues of Heaven, ripened sheaves and 
harvest songs. 



"WHERE ART THOU?" 

In the allegory of Genesis, third chapter and ninth 
verse, two mortals walking in the cool of the day 'midst 
the stately palms, many-hued blossoms, perfumed-laden 
breezes, and crystal streams of 'the Orient, pondered the 
things of man and God. 

A sense of evil is supposed to have spoken, been 
listened to, and afterwards to have formed an evil sense 
that blinded the eyes of reason, masked with deformity 
the glories of revelation, and shamed the face of mortals. 

What was this sense ? Error versus Truth : first, a 
supposition ; second, a false belief ; third, suffering ; 
fourth, death. 

Is man the supposer, false-believer, sufferer ? 

Not man, but a mortal — the antipode of immortal 
man. Supposing, false-believing, suffering, are not fac- 
ulties of Mind, but are qualities of error. 

The supposition is, that God and his idea are not all 
power ; that there is something besides Him ; that this 



"WHEEE AET THOU?" 333 

something is intelligent matter; that sin — yea, self- 
hood — is apart from God, where pleasure and pain, 
good and evil, life and death, commingle, and are for- 
ever at strife ; even that every ray of Truth, of infinity, 
omnipotence, omnipresence, goodness, could be absorbed 
in error ! God cannot be obscured, and this renders 
error a palpable falsity, yea, nothingness ; on the basis 
that black is not a color because it absorbs all the rays 
of light, 

The " Alpha and Omega " of Christian Science voices 
this question : Where do we hold Intelligence to be ? Is 
it in both evil and Good, in matter as well as Spirit? If 
so, we are literally and practically denying that God, 
Good, is supreme, all power and presence, and are turn- 
ing away from the only living and true God, to " lords 
many and gods many." 

Where art thou, mortal ! who turnest away from 
the Divine Source of Being, — calling on matter to work 
out the problem of Mind, to aid in understanding and 
securing the sweet harmonies of Spirit that relate to the 
universe including man ? 

Paul said, " What fellowship hath light with dark- 
ness, or God with Belial ? " The worshippers of Baal 
worshipped the sun. They believed that something be- 
sides God had authority and power, could heal and bless ; 
that God wrought through matter — by means of that 
which does not reflect Him in a single quality or quan- 
tity ! — the grand realities of Mind, thus to exemplify 
the power of Truth and Love. 

The ancient Chaldee hung his destiny out upon the 
heavens; but ancient or modern Christians, instructed in 
Divine Science, know that the prophet better understood 



334 MISCELLANEOUS WEITINGS. 

Him who said : " He doeth according to his will in the 
army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of earth ; 
and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest 
thou ? " 

Astrology is well in its place, but this place is second- 
ary. Necromancy has no foundation, — in fact, no 
Intelligence ; and the belief that it has, deceives itself. 
Whatever simulates power and truth in matter, does this 
as a lie declaring itself, that mortals' faith in matter 
may have the effect of power ; but when the whole fab- 
rication is found to be a lie, away goes all its supposed 
power and prestige. 

Why do Christian Scientists treat disease as disease, 
since there is no disease? 

This is done only as one gives the lie to a lie ; because 
it is a lie, without one word of Truth in it. You must 
find error to be nothing : then, and only then, do you 
handle it in Science. The diabolism of suppositional 
evil at work in the name of good, is a lie of the highest 
degree of nothingness: just reduce this falsity to its 
proper denomination, and you have done with it. 

How shall we treat a negation, or error — by means 
of matter, or Mind ? Is matter Truth ? No : then, it 
cannot antidote error. 

Can belief destroy belief ? No : understanding is re- 
quired to do this. By the substitution of Truth demon- 
strated, Science remedies the ills of material beliefs. 

Because I have uncovered evil, and dis-covered for 
you Divine Science, which saith, u Be not overcome of 
evil, but overcome evil with good," and you have not 
loved sufficiently to understand this Golden Rule and 
demonstrate the might of perfect Love that casteth out 



"WHERE AKT THOU?" 335 

all fear, shall you turn away from this divine Principle 
to graven images ? Remember the Scripture : — 

" But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, 
My Lord delay eth his coming ; 

" And shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to 
eat and drink with the drunken ; 

" The Lord of that servant shall come in a day when 
he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not 
aware of, 

"And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his 
portion with the hypocrites." 

One mercilessly assails me for opposing the subtle lie, 
others charge upon me with full-fledged invective, for, as 
they say, having too much charity ; but neither moves 
me from the path made luminous by divine Love. 

In my public works I lay bare the ability, in belief, of 
evil to break the Decalogue, to murder, steal, commit 
adultery, and so on. Those who deny my wisdom or 
right to expose error, are either willing participants in 
wrong, afraid of its supposed power, or ignorant of it. 

The notion that one is covering iniquity by asserting 
its nothingness, is a fault of zealots, who, like Peter, 
sleep when the Watcher bids them watch, and when 
the hour of trial comes would cut off somebody's ears. 
Such people say : " Would you have me get out of a 
burning house, or stay in it ? " 

I would have you already out, and know that you are 
out ; also, to remember the Scripture concerning those 
who " do evil, that good may come ; whose damnation is 
just;" and, that whoso departeth from Divine Science, 



336 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

seeking power or good aside from God, has done himself 
harm. 

Mind is supreme : Love is the master of hate ; Truth, 
the victor over a lie. Hath not Science voiced this les- 
son to you, — that evil is powerless, that a lie is never 
true ? It is your province to wrestle with error, to han- 
dle the serpent and bruise its head ; but you cannot, as 
a Christian Scientist, resort to stones and clubs, — yea, 
to matter, — to kill the serpent of a material mind. 

Do you love that which represents God most, His high- 
est idea as seen to-day ? No ! 

Then, you would hate Jesus if you saw him personally, 
and knew your right obligations towards him. He would 
insist on the rule and demonstration of Divine Science : 
even that you first cast out your own dislike and hatred 
of God's idea, the beam in your own eye, that hinders 
your seeing clearly how to cast the mote of evil out of 
other eyes. You cannot demonstrate the Principle of 
Christian Science and not love its idea : we gather not 
grapes of thorns, nor figs of thistles. 

Where art thou ? 



DIVINE SCIENCE. 

What is it, but another name for Christian Science ; 
the cognomen of all true religion, the quintessence of 
Christianity, that heals disease and sin and destroys 
death. Part and parcel of Truth and Love, wherever 
one ray of its effulgence looks in upon the heart, behold 
a better man, woman, or child. 

Science is the fiat of divine Intelligence, which, hoary 
with eternity, touches time only to take away its frailty. 



DIVINE SCIENCE. 337 

That it rests on everlasting foundations, the sequence 
proves. 

Have T discovered and founded at this period Chris- 
tian Science, that which reveals the truth of Love, — 
is the question. 

And how can you be certain of so momentous an 
affirmative ? By proving its effect on yourself to be — 
divine. 

What is the Principle and rule of Christian Science ? 

Infinite query ! Wonder in heaven and on earth, — 
who shall say ? The immaculate Son of the Blessed, 
has spoken of them as the Golden rule and its Principle, 
God who is Love. Listen, and he illustrates the rule : 
" Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the 
midst of them, and said, . . . Whosoever . . . shall 
humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest 
hi the kingdom of heaven." 

Harmony is heaven. Science brings out harmony ; 
but this harmony is not understood unless it produces a 
growing affection for all good, and consequent dis- 
affection for all evil, hypocrisy, evil-speaking, lust, 
envy, hate. Where these exist, Christian Science has 
no sure foothold : they obscure its Divine element, and 
thus seem to extinguish it. Even the life of Jesus was 
belittled and belied by personalities possessing these 
defacing deformities. Only the devout Marys, and 
such as lived according to his precepts, understood the 
concrete character of him who taught — by the wayside, 
in humble homes, to itching ears and to dull disciples — 
the words of Life. 

The ineffable Life and light which he reflected 
through Divine Science is again reproduced in the char- 

22 



338 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

acter which sensualism, as heretofore, would hide or 
besmear. Sin of any sort tends to hide from an 
individual this grand verity in Science, that the 
appearing of good in an individual, involves the disap- 
pearing of evil. He who first brings to humanity some 
great good, must have gained its height beforehand, to 
be able to lift others toward it. I first proved to my- 
self, not by " words," — these afford no proof, — but by 
demonstration of Christian Science, that its Principle is 
divine. All must go and do likewise. 

Faith illumined by works; the spiritual understanding 
which cannot choose but to labor and love ; hope hold- 
ing steadfastly to good in the midst of seething evil ; 
charity that suffereth long and is kind, but cancels not 
sin until it be destroyed, — these afford the only rule I 
have found which demonstrates Christian Science. 

And remember, a pure faith in humanity will subject 
one to deception ; the uses of good, to abuses from evil ; 
and calm strength will enrage evil. But the very 
heavens shall laugh at them, and move majestically to 
your defence when the armies of earth press hard 
upon you. 

" Thou must be true thyself, 

If thou the truth wouldst teach \ 

Thy soul must overflow, if thou 
Another's soul wouldst reach ; 

It needs the overflow of heart, 
To give the lips full speech. 

" Think truly, and thy thoughts 
Shall the world's famine feed; 

Speak truly, and each word of thine 
Shall be a fruitful seed ; 

Live truly, and thy life shall be 
A great and noble creed." 



FIDELITY. 339 



FIDELITY. 



If people would confine their talk to subjects that are 
profitable, that which St. John informs us took place 
once in heaven, would happen very frequently on earth, 
— silence for the space of half an hour. 

Experience is victor, never the vanquished ; and out 
of defeat, comes the secret of victory. That to-morrow 
starts from to-day and is one day beyond it, robes the 
future with hope's rainbow hues. 

In the battle of life, good is made more industrious 
and persistent because of the supposed activity of evil. 
The elbowing of the crowd plants our feet more firmly. 
In the mental collisions of mortals and the strain of 
intellectual wrestlings, moral tension is tested, and, if it 
yields not, grows stronger. The past admonishes us : 
with finger grim and cold it points to every mortal mis- 
take ; or smiling, saith, " Thou hast been faithful over a 
few things." 

Art thou a child, and hast added one furrow to the 
brow of care ? Art thou a husband, and hast pierced 
the heart venturing its all of happiness to thy keeping ? 
Art thou a wife, and hast bowed the o'er-burdened head 
of thy husband ? Hast thou a friend, and forgettest to be 
grateful ? Remember, that for all this thou alone canst 
and must atone. Carelessly or remorselessly thou mayest 
have sent along the ocean of events a wave that will 
sometime flood thy memory, surge dolefully at the door 
of conscience, and pour forth the unavailing tear. 

Change, and the grave, may part us ; the wisdom that 
might have blessed the past may come too late. One 
backward step, one relinquishment of right in an evil 



340 MISCELLANEOUS WKITIXGS. 

hour, one faithless tarrying, has torn the laurel from 
many a brow, and repose from many a heart. Good is 
never the reward of evil, and vice versa. 

There is no excellence without labor ; and the time to 
work, is now. Only by persistent, unremitting, straight- 
forward toil ; by turning neither to the right nor to the 
left, seeking no other pursuit or pleasure than that 
which cometh from God, can you win and wear the 
crown of the faithful. 

That Law-school is not at fault, which sends forth a 
barrister who never brings out a brief. Why ? Because 
he followed agriculture instead of litigation, forsook 
Blackstone for gray-stone, dug into soils instead of 
delving into suits, raised potatoes instead of pleas, and 
drew up logs instead of leases. He has not been faithful 
over a few things. 

Is a musician made by his teacher ? He makes him- 
self a musician, by practising what he was taught. The 
conscientious are successful. They follow faithfully ; 
through evil or through good report, they work on to the 
achievement of good ; by patience, they inherit the 
promise. Be active, and, however slow, thy success is 
sure : toil is triumph ; and — thou hast been faithful over 
a few things. 

The lives of great men and women are miracles of 
patience and perseverance. Every luminary in the con- 
stellation of human greatness, like the stars, comes out 
in the darkness to shine with the reflected light of God. 

Material philosophy, human ethics, scholastic theology, 
and physics, have not sufficiently enlightened mankind. 
Human wrong, sickness, sin, and death still appear in 
mortal belief, and they never bring out the right action 



FIDELITY. 341 

of mind or body. When will the whole human race have 
one God, — an undivided affection that leaves the unreal 
material basis of things, for the spiritual foundation and 
superstructure that is real, right, and eternal ? 

First purify thought, then put thought into words, 
and words into deeds ; and after much slipping and 
clambering, you will go up the scale of Science to the 
second rule, and be made ruler over many things. 
Fidelity finds its reward and its strength in exalted 
purpose. Seeking is not sufficient whereby to arrive at 
the results of Science : you must strive ; and the glory of 
the strife comes of honesty and humility. 

Do human hopes deceive ? is joy a trembler ? Then, 
wearv pilgrim, unloose the latchet of thy sandals ; for the 
place whereon thou standest is sacred. By that, you may 
know you are parting with a material sense of life and 
happiness, to win the spiritual sense of good. learn 
to lose with God ! and you find Life eternal : you 
gain all. To doubt this, is implicit treason to divine 
decree. 

The parable of the " ten virgins " serves to illustrate 
the evil of inaction and delay. This parable is drawn 
from the sad history of Yesta, — a little girl of eight 
years, who takes the most solemn vow of celibacy for 
thirty years, and is subject to terrible torture if the lamp 
she tends is not replenished with oil day and night, so 
that the flame never expires. The moral of the parable 
is pointed, and the diction purely Oriental. 

We learn from this parable, that neither the cares of 
this world nor the so-called pleasures or pains of mate- 
rial sense, are adequate to plead for the neglect of spir- 
itual light, that must be tended, to keep aglow the flame 



342 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

of devotion whereby to enter into the joy of Divine 
Science demonstrated. 

The foolish virgins had no oil in their lamps : their 
way was material ; thus they were in doubt and dark- 
ness. They heeded not their sloth, their fading warmth 
of action ; hence the steady decline of spiritual light, 
until, the midnight gloom upon them, they must borrow 
the better-tended lamps of the faithful. By entering 
the guest-chamber of Truth, and beholding the bridal 
of Life and Love, they would be wedded to a higher 
understanding of God. Each moment's fair expect- 
ancy was to behold the bridegroom, the One altogether 
lovely. 

It was midnight : darkness profound brooded over 
earth's lazy sleepers. With no oil in their lamps, no 
spiritual illumination to look upon Him whom they 
had pierced, they heard the shout, " The Bridegroom 
cometh ! " But how could they behold Him ? Hear 
that human cry : " Oh, lend us your oil ! our lamps 
have gone out, — no light ! earth's fables flee, and 
heaven is afar off." 

The door is shut. The wise virgins had no oil to 
spare, and they said to the foolish, " Go to them that 
sell, and buy for yourselves/' Seek Truth, and pursue 
it. It should cost you something : you are willing to 
pay for error and receive nothing in return ; but if you 
pay the price of Truth, you shall receive all. 

" The children of this world are in their generation 
wiser than the children of light;" they watch the 
market, acquaint themselves with the etiquette of the 
exchange, and are ready for the next move. How much 
more should we be faithful over the few things of 



FIDELITY. 343 

Spirit, that are able to make us wise unto salvation ! 
Let us watch and pray that we enter not into the temp- 
tation of ease in sin ; and let us not forget that others 
before us have laid upon the altar all that we have to 
sacrifice, and have passed to their reward. Too soon 
we cannot turn from disease in the body to find dis- 
ease in the mortal mind, and its cure, in working for 
God. Thought must be made better, and human life 
more fruitful, for- the Divine energy to move it onward 
and upward. 

Warmed by the sunshine of Truth, watered by the 
heavenly dews of Love, the fruits of Christian Science 
spring upward, and away from the sordid soil of self and 
matter. Are we clearing the gardens of thought by up- 
rooting the noxious weeds of passion, malice, envy, and 
strife ? Are we picking away the cold, hard pebbles of 
selfishness, uncovering the secrets of sin and burnishing 
anew the hidden gems of Love, that their pure perfection 
shall appear ? Are we feeling the vernal freshness and 
sunshine of enlightened Faith ? 

The weeds of mortal mind are not always destroyed 
by the first uprooting ; they reappear, like devastating 
witch-grass to choke the coming clover. 0, stupid 
gardener ! watch their reappearing, and tear them away 
from their native soil, until no seedling be left to propa- 
gate — and rot. 

Among the manifold soft chimes that will fill the 
haunted chambers of memory, this is the sweetest : 
" Thou hast been faithful ! " 



344 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 



TRUE PHILOSOPHY AND COMMUNION. 

It is related of Justin Martyr, that, hearing of a 
Pythagorean professor of ethics, he expressed the wish 
to become one of his disciples. " Yery well," the teacher 
replied ; u but have you studied music, astronomy, and 
geometry, and do you think it possible for you to under- 
stand aught of that which leads to bliss, without having 
mastered the sciences that disengage the Soul from 
objects of sense, so rendering it a fit habitation for the 
intelligences ? " On Justin's confessing that he had not 
studied those branches, he was dismissed by the pro- 
fessor. 

Alas, for such a material science of life ! Of what 
avail would geometry be to a poor sinner struggling 
with temptation, or to a man with the small-pox ? 

Ancient and modern philosophies are spoiled by lack 
of Science. They would place Soul wholly inside of 
body, Intelligence in matter ; and from error of premise, 
would seek a correct conclusion. Such philosophy can 
never demonstrate the Science of Life, — the Science 
which Paul understood, when he spoke of willingness 
" to be absent from the body, and present with the 
Lord." Such philosophy is far from the rules of the 
mighty Nazarene prophet. His words, living in our 
hearts, were these : " Whosoever shall not receive the 
kingdom of God as a little child, shall in no wise enter 
therein." Not through astronomy did he point out the 
way to Heaven, and the reign of harmony. 

We need the spirit of Saint Paul, when he stood on 
Mars Hill at Athens, bringing Christianity for the first 



TRUE PHILOSOPHY AND COMMUNION. 345 

time into Europe. The Spirit bestows spiritual gifts, 
God's presence and providence. Saint Paul stood where 
Socrates had stood four hundred years before, defending 
himself against the charge of Atheism ; in the place 
where Demosthenes had pleaded for freedom, in immor- 
tal strains of eloquence. 

We need the spirit of the pious Poly carp, who, when 
the proconsul said to him, " I will set the beasts upon 
you, unless you yield your religion," replied : " Let them 
come ; I .cannot change from good to bad." Then they 
bound him to the stake, set fire to the fagots, and his 
pure and strong faith rose higher through the baptism 
of flame. 

Methinks the Infidel was blind who said, " Chris- 
tianity is fit only for women and weak men ; " but even 
Infidels may disagree. Bonaparte declared : " Ever since 
the reign of Christianity began the loftiest intellects 
have had a practical faith in God." Daniel Webster 
said : " My heart has always assured and reassured me 
that Christianity must be a divine reality." 

To turn the popular indignation against an advanced 
form of religion the Pagan slanderers affirmed that 
Christians took their infants to a place of worship in 
order to offer them in sacrifice, — a baptism not of 
water but of blood, thus distorting or misapprehending 
the purpose of Christian sacraments. Christians met 
in midnight feasts in the early days, and talked of the 
crucified Saviour; thence arose the rumor that it was 
a part of Christian worship to kill and eat a human 
being. 

Really, Christianity turned men away from the thought 
of fleshly sacrifice, and directed them to spiritual attain- 



346 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

ments. Life, not death, was and is the very centre of 
its faith. Christian Science carries this thought even 
higher, and insists on the demonstration of moral and 
spiritual healing as imminent proof that God is under- 
stood and illustrated. 



ORIGIN OE EVIL. 

The origin of evil is the problem of ages. It con- 
fronts each generation anew. It confronts Christian 
Science. The question is often asked, If God created 
only the good, whence comes the evil ? 

To this question Christian Science replies : Evil never 
did exist as an entity. It is but a belief that there is 
an opposite Intelligence to God. This belief is a species 
of idolatry, and is not more true or real than that an 
image graven on wood or stone is God. 

The mortal admission of the reality of evil perpetuates 
faith in evil ; and the Scriptures declare that " to whom 
ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye 
are." This leading, self-evident proposition of Christian 
Science, that, good being real, its opposite is neces- 
sarily unreal, needs to be grasped in all its divine 
requirements. 



TRUTH VERSUS ERROR. 

" A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pic- 
tures of silver." It is a rule in Christian Science never 
to repeat error unless it becomes requisite to bring out 
Truth. Then lift the curtain, let in the light, and coun- 
termand this first command of Solomon, " Answer not 



TRUTH VERSUS ERROR. 347 

a fool according to bis folly, lest thou be like unto 
him." 

A distant rumbling and quivering of the earth fore- 
tell the internal action of pent-up gas. To avoid danger 
from tins source people have to escape from their houses 
to the open space. A conical cloud, hanging like a horo- 
scope in the air, foreshadows a cyclone. To escape from 
this calamity people prepare shelter in caves of the earth. 

They who discern the face of the skies cannot always 
discern the mental signs of these times, and peer through 
the opaque error. Where my vision begins and is clear 
theirs grows indistinct and ends. 

There are diversities of operation by the same spirit. 
Two individuals, with all the goodness of generous na- 
tures, advise me. One says, Go this way ; the other 
says, Take the opposite direction ! Between the two I 
stand still ; or, accepting the premonition of one of 
them, I follow his counsel, take a few steps, then halt. 
A true sense not unfamiliar has been awakened. I see 
tbe way now. The guardians of His presence go before 
me. I enter the path. It may be smooth, or it may be 
rugged ; but it is always straight and narrow ; and if it 
be up-hill all the way the ascent is easy, and the summit 
is gained. 

God is responsible for the mission of those whom He 
has anointed. Those who know no will but His take 
His hand, and from the night He leads to light. None 
can say unto him, What doest thou ? 

The Christian Science Journal is the oldest and 
only authenticated organ of Christian Science. Loyal 
Scientists are targets for envy, rivalry, slander; and 
whoever hits this mark is well paid by the umpire. 



348 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

But loyal Scientists aim highest. They press forward 
towards the mark of a high calling. They recognize 
the claims of the Law and the Gospel. They know that 
whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he reap. They 
infringe neither the books nor the business of others; 
and with hearts overflowing with love for God, they 
help on the brotherhood of men. It is not mine but 
Thine they seek. 

When God bids one uncover iniquity, in order to ex- 
terminate it, one should lay it bare; and divine Love 
will bless this endeavor and those whom it reaches. 
" Nothing is hid that shall not be revealed." 

It is only a question of time when God shall reveal His 
rod, and show the plan of battle. Error, left to itself, 
accumulates. Hence, Solomon's transverse command: 
" Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in 
his own conceit." 

To quench the growing flames of falsehood, once in 
about seven years I have to repeat this, — that I use no 
drugs whatever, not even cofTea (coffee), thea (tea), cap- 
sicum (red pepper) ; though every clay, and especially at 
dinner, I indulge in homoeopathic doses of natrum mil- 
riaticum (common salt). 

When I found myself under this new regime of medi- 
cine, the medicine of Mind, I wanted to satisfy my curi- 
osity as to the effect of drugs on one who had lost all 
faith in them. Hence I tried several doses of medicine, 
and so proved to myself that drugs have no beneficial 
effect on an individual in a proper state of mind. 

I have by no means encouraged students of the 
Massachusetts Metaphysical College to enter medical 
schools, and afterwards denied this, and objected to their 



REASON VERSUS ERROR. 349 

entering those schools. A student who consulted me on 
this subject, received my consent and even the offer of 
pecuniary assistance to take lessous outside of my col- 
lege, provided he received these lessons of a certain 
regular-school physician, whose instructions included 
about twelve lessons, three weeks' time, and the surgical 
part of midwifery. I have students with the degree of 
M. D., who are skilful obstetricians. Such a course with 
such a teacher would not necessitate essential material- 
ization of a student's thought, nor detract from the 
metaphysical mode of obstetrics taught in my college. 

This student had taken the above-named course in ob- 
stetrics when he consulted me on the feasibility of enter- 
ing a medical school; and to this I objected on the 
ground that it was inconsistent with Christian Science, 
which he claimed to be practising; but I was willing, 
and said so, that, notwithstanding my objection, he 
should do as he deemed best, for I claim no jurisdiction 
over any students. He entered the medical school, and 
several other students with him. My .counsel to all of 
them was in substance the same as the foregoing, and 
some of these students have openly acknowledged this. 

In answer to a question on the following subject, I 
will state that I preached four years, and built up the 
church, before I would accept the slighest remunera- 
tion. "When the church had sufficient members and 
means to pay a salary, and refused to give me up or to 
receive my gratuitous services, I accepted for a time fif- 
teen dollars per Sunday, when I preached. I never re- 
ceived more than this; and the contributions when I 
preached, doubled that amount. I have accepted no pay 
from my church for about three years, and believe that 



350 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

I have put into the church-fund about two thousand 
dollars of my own contributions. I hold receipts for 
$1,489.50 paid in, and the balance was never receipted 
for. 

I temporarily organized a secret society known as 
the P. M. ? the workings whereof were not " terrible and 
too shocking to relate." By and with advice of the very 
student who brings up the question of this society, it was 
formed. The P. M. (Private Meeting) Society met only 
twice. The first subject given out for consideration was 
this: " There is no Animal Magnetism." There was no 
advice given, no mental work, and were no transactions, 
at those meetings, which I would hesitate to have known. 
On the contrary, our deliberations were as usual, Chris- 
tian, and like my public instruction. The second P. M. 
convened in about one week from the first. The subject 
given out at that meeting was, in substance, " God is 
all; there is none beside Him." This proved to be our 
last meeting. I dissolved the society, and we have not 
met since. If harm could come from the consideration 
of these two topics, it was because of the misconception 
of those subjects in the mind that handled them. An 
individual state of mind sometimes occasions effects on 
patients which are not in harmony with Science, and the 
soundness of the argument used. Hence it prevents the 
normal action, and the benefit that would otherwise 
accrue. 

I issue no arguments, and cause none to be used in 
mental practice, which consign people to suffering. On 
the contrary, I cannot serve two masters: therefore, I 
teach the use of such arguments only as promote health 
and spiritual growth. My life consecrated to humanity, 



FALLIBILITY OF HUMAN CONCEPTS. 351 

through, nameless suffering and sacrifice, furnishes its 
own proof of rny practice. 

I have sometimes called on students to test their 
ability and meet the mental malpractice, so as to lift the 
burdens imposed by students. 

The fact is, that for want of time, and for the purpose 
of blessing even my enemies, I neglect myself. I never 
have practised by arguments which, perverted, are the 
weapons of the silent mental malpractice. I have no 
skill in occultism ; and I could not if I would, and would 
not if I could, harm any one through the mental method 
of Mind-healing, or in any manner. 

The late much-ado-about-nothing arose solely from 
mental malicious practice, and the audible falsehood 
designed to stir up strife between brethren, for the pur- 
pose of placing Christian Science in the hands of aspir- 
ants for place and power. These repeated attempts of 
mad ambition may retard our Cause, but they never can 
place it in the wrong hands and hold it there, nor benefit 
mankind by such endeavors. 



FALLIBILITY OF HUMAN CONCEPTS. 

Evil counterfeits Good: it says, "I am Truth," though 
it is a lie: it says, "I am Love," — but Love is spirit- 
ual, and sensuous love is material, wherefore it is hate 
instead of Love; for the five senses give to mortals pain, 
sickness, sin, and death, — pleasure that is false, life 
that leads unto death, joy that becomes sorrow. Love 
that is not the procurator of happiness, declares itself 
the antipode of Love; and Love divine punishes the joys 



352 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

of this false sense of love, chastens its affection, purifies 
it, and turns it into the opposite channels. 

Material life is the antipode of spiritual life : it mocks 
the bliss of spiritual being: it is bereft of permanence 
and peace. 

When human sense is quickened to behold aright the 
error, — the error of regarding Life, Truth, Love, as 
material and not spiritual, or, as both material and spir- 
itual, — it is able for the first time to discern the Science 
of Good. But it must first see the error of its present 
erroneous course, to be able to behold the facts of Truth 
outside of the error; and, vice versa, when it discovers 
the Truth, this uncovers the error, and quickens the true 
consciousness of God, Good. May the human shadows 
of thought lengthen as they approach the Light, until 
they are lost in Light, and no night is there! 

In Science, sickness is healed upon the same Principle 
and by the same rule that sin is healed. To know the 
supposed bodily belief of the patient and what has 
claimed to produce it, enables the practitioner to act 
more understandingly in destroying this belief. Thus it 
is in healing the moral sickness; the malicious mental 
operation must be understood in order to enable one to 
destroy it and its effects. There is not sufficient spirit- 
ual power in the human thought, to heal the sick 
or the sinful. Through the Divine energies alone one 
must either get out of himself and into God so far that 
his consciousness is the reflection of the Divine, or he 
must, through argument and the human consciousness 
of both evil and good overcome evil. 

The only difference between the healing of sin and the 
healing of sickness, is, that sin must be nn covered before 



FALLIBILITY OF HUMAN CONCEPTS. 353 

it can be destroyed, and the moral sense be aroused to 
reject the sense of error; while sickness must be cov- 
ered with the veil of harmony, and the consciousness be 
allowed to rejoice in the sense that it has nothing to 
mourn over, but something to forget. 

Human concepts run in extremes; they are like the 
action of sickness, which is either an excess of action or 
not action enough: they are fallible; they are neither 
standards nor models. 

If one asks me, " Is my concept of you right? " I 
reply, The human concept is always imperfect: relin- 
quish your human concept of me, or of anyone, and find 
the Divine, and you have gained the right one — and 
never until then. People give me too much attention of 
the misguided, fallible sort, and this misrepresents one 
through malice or ignorance. 

My brother owned a mill; and one day the foreman, 
a practical joker, set a man who applied for work, in 
the overseer's absence, to pour a bucket of water every 
ten minutes, on the regulator. When my brother re- 
turned and saw it he said to the foreman you must pay 
that man. Some people try to tend folks as though 
they should cool the regulator of mankind. God makes 
us pay for tending the action that He adjusts. 

The regulator is governed by the Principle, that 
makes the machinery work rightly because it is thus 
governed, and the folly of tending it is no mere jest, 
since, through it, the Principle carries out harmony. 

Now turn from the illustration of the mill, to the 
Mother's almost four thousand children, each of whom, 
at six years of age at most, — I have very few that in 
1886 are more than six, — and some of them at one 

23 



354 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

year, — has set up housekeeping alone. The clever 
ones, or rather the good-natured ones, act independently, 
and never think of interfering with Mother. 

The envious and malicious ones are those who do not 
love Mother, and are constantly going home to interfere 
with and criticise her household arrangements; then 
returning to their own homes, they set up a system 
opposed to Mother's — and very likely call it Mother's. 
Some of these children, even when a year old, want to 
introduce their own system and upset hers in her own 
household! 

Now, come back to the figure of the mill. First, 
there is the Principle; then, the regulator; then, the ma- 
chine — in which the mother-element has sometimes 
seemed lost. When the Mother's love can no longer 
promote peace in the family, its wisdom seems powerless 
to guide the children, and the children get constantly to 
" tending the regulator " instead of leaving the regulator 
to steady the action of the machine; but when my stu- 
dents fix their attention on the Principle of their ivork, 
all moves on harmoniously. 



THE WAT. 355 



THE WAY. 



The present stage of progress in Christian Science 
presents two opposite aspects, — a full-orbed promise, 
and a gaunt want. The need, however, is not of the 
letter, but the spirit. 

Less teaching and good healing is to-day the acme 
of "well done;" a healing that .is not guess-work, — 
chronic recovery ebbing and flowing, — but instanta- 
neous cure. This absolute demonstration of Science 
must be revived. To consummate this desideratum, 
mortal mind must pass through three stages of growth. 

First, self-knowledge. The physician must know him- 
self and understand the mental state of his patient. 
Error found out is two-thirds destroyed, and the last 
third pierces itself, for the remainder only stimulates and 
gives scope to higher demonstration. To strike out 
right and left against the mist, never clears the vision ; 
but to lift your head above it, is a sovereign panacea. 
Mental darkness is senseless error, neither intelligence 
nor power, and its victim is responsible for its supposi- 
titious presence. " Cast the beam out of thine own 
eye." Learn what in thine own mentality is unlike the 
Anointed and cast it out ; then thou wilt discern the 
error in thy patient's mind that makes his body sick, 
and remove it, and rest like the dove from the deluge. 

" Physician, heal thyself." Let no clouds of sin gather 
and fall in mist and showers, from thine own mental 
atmosphere. Hold thy gaze to the light, and the iris of 
faith more beautiful than the rainbow seen from my 
window at the close of a balmy autumnal day, will span 
thy heavens of thought. 



356 MISCELLANEOUS WKITINGS. 

A radiant sunset beautiful as blessings when they take 
their flight, dilates and kindles into rest. Thus will a 
life corrected, illumine its own atmosphere with spiritual 
glow and understanding. 

The pent-up elements of mortal mind need no terrible 
detonation to free them. Envy, rivalry, hate, need no 
temporary indulgence that they be destroyed through 
suffering ; they should be stifled from lack of air and 
freedom. 

My students with cultured intellects, chastened affec- 
tions, and costly hopes, give promise of grand careers. 
But they must remember that the seedtime is passed, 
the harvest hour has come ; and songs should ascend 
from the mount of Revelation, sweeter than the sound 
of vintage bells. 

The seed of Christian Science, which " when sown, 
was the least of all seeds," has sprung up, borne fruit, 
and the birds of the air, the uplifted desires of the 
human heart, have lodged in its branches. Now, let 
my faithful students carry the fruit of this tree into the 
rock-ribbed nests of the raven's callow brood. 

The second stage of mental development is humility. 
This virtue triumphs over the flesh ; it is the genius of 
Christian Science. One can never go up, until one has 
gone down in his own esteem. Humility is lens and 
prism to the understanding of Mind-healing ; it must be 
had to understand our Text-book ; it is indispensable to 
personal growth, and points out the chart of its divine 
Principle and rule of practice. 

Cherish humility, " watch and pray without ceasing," 
or you will miss the way of Truth and Love. Humility 
is no busy-body : it has no moments for trafficking in 



THE WAY. 357 

other people's business, no place for envy, no time for 
idle words, vain amusements, and all the et cetera of the 
ways and means of personal sense. 

Let Christian Scientists minister to the sick ; the 
school-room is the dernier ressort. Let them seek the 
lost sheep who, having strayed from the true fold, have 
lost their great Shepherd and yearn to find living pas- 
tures and rest beside still waters. These long for the 
Christlikeuess that is above the present status of reli- 
gion, and beyond the walks of common life quite on the 
verge of heaven. Without the cross and healing, Chris- 
tianity has no central emblem, no history. 

The seeds of Truth fall by the wayside, on artless lis- 
teners. They fall on stony ground, and shallow soil. 
The fowls of the air pick them up. Much of what has 
been sown has withered away, but what remaineth has 
fallen into the good and honest hearts and is bearing 
fruit. 

The third stage of mental growth is manifested in 
love, the greatest of all stages and states of being ; love 
that is irrespective of self, rank, or following. For 
some time it has been clear to my thought that those 
students of Christian Science whose Christian charac- 
ters and lives recommend them, should receive full 
fellowship from us, no matter who has taught them. If 
they have been taught wrongly, they are not morally 
responsible for this, and need special help. They are as 
lambs that have sought the true fold and the great 
Shepherd, and strayed innocently ; hence we should be 
ready and glad to help them and point the way. 

Divine Love is the substance of Christian Science, the 
basis of its demonstration, yea, its foundation and super- 



358 MISCELLANEOUS WEITLXGS. 

structure. Love impels good works. Love is greatlv 
needed and must be had to mark the way, in Divine 
Science. 

The student who heals by teaching and teaches by 
healing, will graduate under divine honors which are 
the only appropriate seals for Christian Science. State 
honors perish, and their gain is loss to the Christian 
Scientist. They include for him at present naught but 
tardy justice, hounded footsteps, false laurels. God 
alone is his help, his shield, and great reward. He that 
seeketh aught besides God, loseth in Life, Truth, and 
Love. All men " shall be satisfied when they awake in 
His likeness," and they never should be until then. 
Human pride is human weakness. Self-knowledge, hu- 
mility, and love, are divine strength. Christ's vestures 
are put on only when mortals are " washed in the blood 
of the lamb " ; we must walk in the way which Jesus 
marked out, if we would reach the heaven-crowned 
summit of Christian Science. 

Be it understood, that I do not require Christian 
Scientists to stop teaching, to dissolve their organ- 
izations, or to desist from organizing churches and 
associations. 

The Massachusetts Metaphysical College, the first 
and only College for teaching Christian Science Mind- 
healing, after accomplishing the greatest work of the 
ages, and at the pinnacle of prosperity, is closed. Let 
Scientists who have grown to self-sacrifice do their 
present work, awaiting, with staff in hand, God's 
commands. 

When students have fulfilled all the good ends of 
organization, and are convinced that by leaving the 



THE WAY. 359 

material forms thereof a higher spiritual unity is won, 
then is the time to follow the example of the Alma 
Mater. Material organization is requisite in the begin- 
ning ; but when it has done its work, the purely Christly 
method of teaching and preaching must be adopted. 
On the same principle, you continue the mental argu- 
ment in the practice of Christian healing until you can 
cure without it instantaneously, and through Spirit 
alone. 

St. Paul says : " When I was a child, I spake as a 
child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child : but 
when I became a man, I put away childish things. For 
now we see through a glass, darkly ; but then face to 
face." Growth is restricted by forcing humanity out of 
the proper channels for development, or by holding it in 
fetters. 

For Jesus to walk the water was scientific insomuch 
as he was able to do this ; but it is neither wisdom nor 
Science for poor humanity to step upon the Atlantic un- 
til we can walk on the water. 

Peter's impetuosity was rebuked. He had to learn 
from experience ; so have we. The methods of our 
Master were in advance of the period in which he per- 
sonally appeared; but his example was right, and is 
available at the right time. The way is absolute divine 
Science : walk ye in it ; but remember that Science is 
demonstrated by degrees, and our demonstration rises 
only as we rise in the scale of being. 



360 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 



SCIENCE AND PHILOSOPHY. 



Men give counsel ; but they give not the wisdom to 
profit by it. To ask wisdom of God, is the beginning 
of wisdom. 

Meekness, moderating human desire, inspires wisdom 
and procures divine power. Human lives are yet un- 
carved, in the rough marble, encumbered with crude, 
rude fragments, and awaiting the hammering, chiselling, 
and transfiguration from His hand. 

Great only as good, because fashioned divinely, were 
those unpretentious yet colossal characters, Paul and 
Jesus. Theirs were modes of mind cast in the moulds 
of Christian Science : Paul's, by the supremely natural 
transforming power of Truth ; and the character of 
Jesus, by his original scientific sonship with God. Phi- 
losophy never has produced, nor can it reproduce, these 
stars of the first magnitude — fixed stars in the heavens 
of Soul. When shall earth be crowned with the true 
knowledge of Christ ? 

When Christian Science has melted away the cloud of 
false witnesses ; and the dews of divine grace, falling 
upon the blighted flowers of fleeting joys, shall lift 
every thought-leaflet spirit ward ; and " Israel after the 
flesh," who partaketh of its own altars, shall be no 
more, — then, " the Israel according to Spirit" shall 
fill earth with the divine energies, understanding, 
and ever-flowing tides of spiritual sensation and con- 
sciousness. 

When mortal mind is silenced by the still small voice of 
Truth that regenerates philosophy and logic ; and Jesus, 



SCIENCE AND PHILOSOPHY. 361 

as the true idea of Him is heard as of yore saying to 
sensitive ears and dark disciples, " I came from the 
Father," " Before Abraham was, I am," co-existent and 
co-eternal with God, — and this idea is understood, — 
then will the earth be filled with the true knowledge of 
Christ. No advancing modes of human mind made 
Jesus; rather was it their subjugation, and the pure 
heart that sees God. 

When the belief in material origin, mortal mind, 
sensual conception, dissolves through self-imposed suf- 
fering, and its substances are found substanceless, — 
then, its miscalled life ends in death ; and death itself 
is swallowed up in Life, Spiritual Life, whose myriad 
forms are neither material nor mortal. 

When every form and mode of evil disappears to hu- 
man thought, and mollusk and radiate are spiritual 
concepts testifying to one Creator, — then, earth is full 
of His glory, and Christian Science has overshadowed all 
human philosophy, and Being is understood in startling 
contradiction of human hypotheses ; and Socrates, Plato, 
Kant, Locke, Berkeley, Tyndall, Darwin, and Spencer, 
sit at the feet of Jesus. 

To this great end, Paul admonished, " Let us lay aside 
every weight, and the sin that doth so easily beset us, 
and let us run with patience the race that is set before 
us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our 
faith." So shall mortals soar to final freedom, and rest 
from the subtlety of speculative wisdom and human 
woe. 

God is the only Mind, and his manifestation is the 
spiritual universe, including man and all eternal indi- 
viduality. God, the only Substance and divine Principle 



362 MISCELLANEOUS WETTINGS. 

of Creation, is by no means a creative partner in the 
firm of error, named matter, or mortal mind. He eluci- 
dates His own idea, wherein Principle and idea, God 
and man, are not one, but are inseparable as cause and 
effect. If one, who could say which that " one " was ? 

" His ways are not as our ways," The Divine modes 
and manifestations are not those of the material senses ; 
for instance, intelligent matter, or mortal mind, material 
birth, growth, and decay : they are the forever-existing 
realities of Divine Science ; wherein God and man are 
perfect, and man's reason is at rest in God's wisdom,^- 
who comprehends and reflects all real mode, form, indi- 
viduality, identity. 

Scholastic dogma has made men blind. Christ's logos 
gives sight to these blind, ears to these deaf, feet to these 
lame, — physically, morally, spiritually. Theologians 
make the mortal mistake of believing that God having 
made all, made evil ; but the Scriptures declare that all 
that He made was good. Then, was evil part and parcel 
of His creation ? 

Philosophy hypothetically regards creation as its own 
creator, puts cause into effect, and out of nothing would 
create something, whose noumenon is mortal mind, 
with iis phenomenon matter, — an evil mind already 
doomed, whose modes are material manifestations of 
evil, and that continually, until self-extinguished by 
suffering ! 

Here revelation must come to the rescue of mortals, 
to remove this mental millstone that is dragging them 
downward, and refute erring reason with the spiritual 
Cosmos and Science of Soul. We all must find shelter 
from the storm and tempest in the tabernacle of Spirit. 



SCIENCE AND PHILOSOPHY. 363 

Truth is won through Science, or suffering, O vain mor- 
tals ! which shall it be ? And suffering has no reward, 
except when it is necessary to prevent sin or reform 
the sinner. And pleasure is no crime except when it 
strengthens the influence of bad inclinations, or lessens 
the activities of virtue. The more nearly an erring so- 
called mind approaches purity, the more conscious it 
becomes of its own unreality, and of the great reality 
of Divine Mind and true happiness. 

The " ego " that claims selfhood in error, and passes 
from molecule and monkey up to man, is no ego, but is 
simply the supposition that the absence of good is mind 
and makes men, — when its greatest flatterer, identifica- 
tion, is piqued by Him who compensateth vanity with 
nothingness, dust with dust ! 

The mythology of evil and mortality is but the ma- 
terial mode of a suppositional mind ; while the immor- 
tal modes of Mind are spiritual, and pass through none 
of the changes of matter, or evil. Truth said, and said 
from the beginning, " Let us (Spirit) make man per- 
fect ; " and there is no other Maker : a perfect man 
would not desire to make himself imperfect, and God 
is not chargeable with imperfection. His modes declare 
the beauty of holiness, and his manifold wisdom shines 
through the visible world in glimpses of the eternal 
verities. Even through the mists of mortality, is seen 
the brightness of His coming. 

We must avoid the shoals of a sensual religion or 
philosophy that misguides reason and affection, and 
hold fast to the Principle of Christian Science as the 
Word that is God, Spirit, and Truth. This word cor- 
rects the philosopher, confutes the astronomer, exposes 



364 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

the subtle sophist, and drives diviners mad. The Bible 
is the learned man's masterpiece, the ignorant man's 
dictionary, the wise man's directory. 

I foresee and foresay that every advancing epoch of 
Truth will be characterized by a more spiritual appre- 
hension of the Scriptures, that will show their marked 
consonance with the Text-book of Christian Science 
Mind Healing, Science and Health with Key to 
the Scriptures. Interpreting the Word in the u new 
tongue," whereby the sick are healed, naturally evokes 
new paraphrase from the world of letters. " Wait 
patiently on the Lord, and He will renew your 
strength." In return for individual sacrifice, what a 
recompense to have healed, through Truth, the sick 
and sinful, made the public your friend, and posterity 
your familiar ! 

Christian Science refutes everything that is not a 
postulate of the divine Principle, God. It is the soul of 
divine philosophy, and there is no other philosophy. It 
is not a search after wisdom, it is wisdom : it is God's 
right hand grasping the universe, — all time, space, 
immortality, thought, extension, cause, and effect ; con- 
stituting and governing all identity, individuality, law, 
and power. It stands on this scriptural platform: 
That He made all that was made, and it is good, reflects 
the divine Mind- is governed by it ; and that nothing 
apart from this Mind, one God, is self-created or evolves 
the universe. 

Human hypotheses predicate matter of Spirit, and 
evil of Good ; hence these opposites must either co- 
operate or quarrel throughout time and eternity, — or, 
until this impossible partnership is dissolved. If Spirit 



SCIENCE AND PHILOSOPHY. 365 

is the law-giver to matter, and Good has the same power 
or modes as evil, it has the same consciousness, and 
there is no absolute Good. This error carried to its 
ultimate, would either extinguish God and His modes, 
or give reality and power to evil ad infinitum. 

Christian Science rends this veil of the temple of 
gods, and reproduces the divine philosophy of Jesus and 
Paul. This philosophy alone will bear the strain of 
time and bring out the glories of eternity ; for " other 
foundation can no man lay, than that is laid, which is 
Christ, Truth;' 

Human theories weighed in the balances of God are 
found wanting; and their highest endeavors are to 
Science, what a child's love of pictures is to art. The 
school whose schoolmaster is not Christ, gets things 
wrong, and is ignorant thereof. 

If Christian Science lacked the proof of its goodness 
and utility, it would destroy itself ; for it rests alone on 
demonstration. Its genius is right-thinking and right- 
acting, physical and moral harmony ; and the secret of 
its success lies in supplying the universal need of better 
health and better men. 

Good health and a more spiritual religion, form the 
common want, and this want has worked out a moral 
result ; namely, that mortal mind is calling for what im- 
mortal Mind alone can supply. If the uniform moral and 
spiritual, as well as physical, effects of Divine Science 
were lacking, the demand would diminish ; but it con- 
tinues, and increases, which shows the real value of 
Christian Science to the race. Even doctors agree that 
infidelity, bigotry, or sham, has never met the growing 
wants of humanity. 



366 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

As a literature, Christian metaphysics is hampered by 
lack of proper terms in which to express what it means. 
As a Science, it is held back by the common ignorance 
of what it is, and of what it does, — and more than all 
else, by the impostors that come in its name. To be 
appreciated, it must be conscientiously understood and 
introduced. 

If the Bible and Science and Health with Key to 
the Scriptures had in our 'schools the time or attention 
that human hypotheses consume, they would advance 
the world. True, it requires more study to understand 
and demonstrate what they teach than to learn the 
doctrine of theology, philosophy, or physics, because 
they contain and offer Science with fixed Principle, 
given rule, and unmistakable proof. 

The Scriptures give the keynote of Christian Science 
from Genesis to Revelation, and this is the prolonged 
tone: " For the Lord He is God, and there is none beside 
Him." And because He is All in all, He is in nothing 
unlike Himself ; and nothing that worketh or maketh a 
lie is in Him, or can be Divine consciousness. 

At this date, poor jaded humanity needs to get her 
eyes open to a new style of imposition in the field of 
medicine, and of religion, and to " beware of the leaven 
of the scribes and pharisees," the doctrines of men, even 
as Jesus admonished. From first to last, evil insists on 
the unity of good and evil as the purpose of God ; and 
on drugs, electricity, 'and animal magnetism, as modes 
of medicine. To a greater or less extent, all mortal con- 
clusions start from this false premise, and they neces- 
sarily culminate in sickness, sin, disease, and death. 
Erroneous doctrines never have abated and never will 



SCIENCE AND PHILOSOPHY. 367 

abate dishonesty, self-will, envy, and lust. To destroy 
sin and its sequence, is the office of Christ-Truth — ac- 
cording to His mode of Christian Science ; and this is 
being done daily. 

The false theories whose names are legion, gilded 
with sophistry and what Jesus had not, namely, mere 
book-learning, — letter without law, gospel or demon- 
stration, — have no place in Christian Science. This 
Science requires man to be honest, just, pure ; to love 
his neighbor as himself, and to love God supremely. 

Matter and evil are subjective states of error or 
mortal mind. But Mind is immortal ; and the fact of 
there being no mortal mind, exposes the lie of supposi- 
tional evil, showing that error is not Mind, Substance, 
or Life. Thus, whatever is wrongfully-minded, will dis- 
appear in the proportion that Science is understood, 
and the reality of Being, goodness and harmony, are 
demonstrated. 

Error says, that knowing all things implies the neces- 
sity of knowing evil, that it dishonors God to claim 
that He is ignorant of anything ; but God says of this 
fruit of the tree of knowledge of both good and evil, " in 
the day that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die." 
If God is infinite Good, He knows nothing but good ; if 
He did know aught else, He would not be infinite. In- 
finite Mind knows nothing beyond Himself or Herself. 
To Good, evil is never present ; for evil is a different 
state of consciousness. It was not against evil, but 
against knowing evil, that God forewarned. He dwelleth 
in light ; and in the light He sees light, and cannot see 
darkness. The opposite conclusion, that darkness 
dwelleth in light, has neither precedent nor foundation 
in nature, in logic, or in the character of Christ. 



368 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

The senses would say that whatever saves from sin, 
must know sin. Truth replies : " God is too pure to 
behold iniquity ; " and by virtue of his ignorance of that 
which is not, He knoweth that which is, and abideth in 
Himself, the only Life, Truth, and Love, — and is re- 
flected by a universe in His own image and likeness. 

Even so, Father, let " the light that shineth in dark- 
ness and the darkness comprehendeth it not," dispel 
this illusion of the senses, open the eyes of the blind, 
and cause the deaf to hear. 

" Truth forever on the scaffold, Wrong forever on the throne. 
Yet that scaffold sways the future, and, behind the dim unknown, 
Standeth God within the shadow, keeping watch above his own." 



"TAKE HEED!" 

We regret to be obliged to say that all are not meta- 
physicians, or Christian Scientists, who call themselves 
so. Charlatanism, fraud, and malice are getting into 
the ranks of the good and pure, sending forth a poison 
more deadly than the upas tree in the Eastern Archi- 
pelago. This evil obtains in the present false teaching 
and false practice of the Science of treating disease 
through Mind. The silent address of a mental mal- 
practioner can only be portrayed in these words of the 
Apostle : " whisperers," and " the poison of asps is 
under their tongue." 

Some of the mere puppets of the hour are playing 
only for money, and at a fearful stake. Others, from 
malice and envy, are working out the destinies of the 
damned. But while the best, perverted, on the mortal 



THE CRY OF CHRISTMAS-TIDE. 369 

plane may become the worst, let us not forget that the 
Lord reigns, and that this earth shall sometime rejoice 
in His supreme rule, — that the tired watchmen on the 
walls of Zion, and the true Christian Scientist at the foot 
of the Mount of Revelation, shall look up with shouts 
and thanksgiving, — that God's law, as in Divine Sci- 
ence, shall he finally understood ; and the gospel of glad 
tidings bring " on earth peace, good will towards men." 



THE CRY OF CHRISTMAS-TIDE. 

Metaphysics, not Physics, enables us to stand erect 
on sublime heights, surveying the immeasurable universe 
of Mind, peering into the Cause which governs all effects, 
while we are strong in the unity of God and man. There 
is " method in, the madness " of this system, — since 
madness it seems to many onlookers. This method sits 
serene at the portals of the temple of Thought, while 
the leaders of materialistic schools indulge in mad 
antics. Metaphysical Healing seeks a wisdom that is 
higher than a rhubarb tincture or an ipecacuanha pill. 
This method is devout enough to trust Christ more than 
it does drugs. 

Meekly we kneel at our Master's feet, for even a 
crumb that falleth from his table. We are hungry for 
Love, for the white-winged Charity that heals and saves : 
we are tired of theoretic husks, — as tired as was the 
prodigal son, of the carobs which he shared with the 
swine, to whom he fed that wholesome but unattractive 
food. Like him, we would find our Father's house 

24 



370 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

again — the perfect and eternal Principle of man. We 
thirst for inspiring wine from the vine which our Father 
tends. We crave the privilege of saying to the sick, 
when their feebleness calls for help, " Rise and walk." 
We rejoice to say, in the words of our Master, " Stretch 
forth thy hand, and be whole ! " 

When the Pharisees saw Jesus do such deeds of mercy, 
they went away and took counsel how they might remove 
him. The antagonistic spirit of evil is still abroad ; but 
the greater spirit of Christ is also abroad, — risen from 
the grave-clothes of tradition and the cave of ignorance. 
Let the sentinels of Zion's watch-towers shout once 
again, " Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is 
given. " 

In different ages the Divine idea assumes different 
forms, according to humanity's needs. In this age it 
assumes, more intelligently than ever before, the form 
of Christian Healing. This is the babe we are to 
cherish. This is the babe that twines its loving arms 
about the neck of Omnipotence, and calls forth infinite 
care from His loving heart. 



BLIND LEADERS. 

What figure is less favorable than a wolf in sheep's 
clothing ? The braying donkey whose ears stick out is 
less troublesome. What manner of man is it, that has dis- 
covered an improvement on Christian Science, a " meta- 
physical healing" by which error destroys error, and 
would gather all sorts into a " national convention " by 
the sophistry that such is the true fold for Christian 
healers, since the Good Shepherd cares for all ? 



BLIND LEADEKS. 371 

Yes : the Good Shepherd does care for all, and His 
first care is to separate the sheep from the goats ; and 
this is among the first lessons on healing taught by our 
great Master. 

If, as the gentleman aforesaid states, large flocks of 
Metaphysicians are wandering about without a leader, 
what has opened his eyes to see the need of taking them 
cAit of the care of the Great Shepherd, and behold the 
remedy, to help them by his own leadership ? Is it that 
he can guide Christian Scientists better than they, 
through the guidance of our common Father, can guide 
themselves ? or is it that they are incapable of helping 
themselves thus ? 

I as their teacher can say, They know far more of 
Christian Science than he who deprecates their condition 
appears to, and my heart pleads for them to possess 
more and more of Truth and Love ; but mixing all 
grades of persons is not productive of the better sort, 
although he who has self-interest in this mixing is apt 
to propose it. 

Whoever desires to say, " good right, and good wrong," 
has no truth to defend. It is a wise saying, that " men 
are known by their enemies." To sympathize in any 
degree with error, is not to rectify it; but error always 
strives to unite in a definition of purpose, with Truth, to 
give it buoyancy. What is under the mask, but error in 
borrowed plumes ? 



372 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 



CHRIST AND CHRISTMAS. 
An Illustrated Poem. 



This poem and its Illustrations are as hopelessly origi- 
nal as is Science and Health with Key to the Scrip- 
tures. When the latter was first issued, critics declared 
that it was incorrect, contradictory, unscientific, unchris- 
tian ; but those human opinions had not one feather's 
weight in the scales of God. The fact remains, that 
the Text-book of Christian Science is transforming the 
universe. 

" Christ and Christmas " voices Christian Science 
through song and object-lesson. In two weeks from 
the date of its publication in December, 1893, letters 
extolling it were pouring in from artists and poets. A 
mother wrote: "Looking at the pictures in your won- 
derful book, has healed my child." 

Knowing that this book would produce a stir, I sought 
the judgment of sound critics familiar with the works 
of masters in France and Italy. From them came such 
replies as the following : " The illustrations of your poem 
are truly a work of art, and the artist seems quite fa- 
miliar with delineations from the old masters." I am 
delighted to find Christ and Christmas in accord with 
the ancient and most distinguished artists. 

The " Christian Science Journal " gives no uncertain 
declaration concerning the spirit and mission of " Christ 
and Christmas." 

I aimed to reproduce, with reverent touch, the modest 
glory of Divine Science. Not by aid of foreign device or 
environment could I copy art, — never having seen the 



CHRIST AND CHRISTMAS. 373 

painter's masterpieces ; but the Art of Christian Science, 
with true hue and character of the living God, is akin 
to its Science : and " Science and Health " gives scopes 
and shades to the shadows of divinity, thus imparting 
to humanity the true sense of meekness and might. 

One incident serves to illustrate the simple nature of 
art. 

I insisted upon placing the serpent behind the woman 
in the picture Seeking and Finding : my artist at the 
easel objected, as he often did, to my sense of Soul's 
expression through the brush ; but as usual, he finally 
yielded. A few days afterward, the following from 
Rotherham's translation of the New Testament was 
handed to me, — I had never before seen it: "And the 
serpent cast out of his mouth, behind the woman, water 
as a river, that he might cause her to be river-borne." 
Neither material finesse, standpoint, nor perspective, 
guides the infinite Mind and spiritual vision that should, 
does, guide His children. 

One great master clearly delineates Christ's appear- 
ing in the flesh, and His healing power, as clad not in 
soft raiment or gorgeous apparel ; and when forced out 
of its proper channel, as living feebly, in kings' courts. 
This master's thought presents a sketch of Christian- 
ity's state, in the early part of the Christian era, as 
homelessness in a wilderness. But in due time Chris- 
tianity entered into synagogues, and, as Saint Mark 
writes, it has rich possession here, with houses and 
lands. In Genesis we read that God gave man domin- 
ion over all things ; and this assurance is followed by 
Jesus' declaration, "All power is given unto me in 
heaven and in earth," and by his promise that the 



374 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

Christlike shall finally sit down at the right hand of 
the Father. 

Christian Science is more than a prophet or a proph- 
ecy : it presents not words alone, but works, — the 
daily demonstration of Truth and Love. Its healing 
and saving power was so great a proof of Immanuel 
and the realism of Christianity, that it caused even the 
publicans to justify God. Although clad in panoply of 
power, the Pharisees scorned the spirit of Christ in 
most of its varied manifestations. To them it was cant 
and caricature, — always the opposite of what it was. 
Keen and alert was their indignation at whatever re- 
buked hypocrisy and demanded Christianity in life and 
religion. In view of this, Jesus said, " Wisdom is jus- 
tified of all her children." 

Above the fogs of sense and storms of passion, Chris- 
tian Science and its Art will rise triumphant: igno- 
rance, envy, and hatred — earth's harmless thunder — 
pluck not their heaven-born wings. Angels, with over* 
tures, hold charge over both, and announce their Prin- 
ciple and idea. 

It is most fitting that Christian Scientists memorize 
the nativity of Jesus. To him who brought a great 
light to all ages, and named his burdens light, homage 
is indeed due, — but is bankrupt. I never looked on my 
ideal of the face of the Nazarite prophet ; but the one 
illustrating my Poem approximates it. 

Extremists in every age either doggedly deny or fran- 
tically affirm what is what : one renders not unto Caesar 
" the things that are Caesar's ; " the other sees " Helen's 
beauty in a brow of Egypt." 

Pictures are portions of one's ideal, but this ideal is 



CHEIST AND CHKISTMAS. 375 

not one's personality. Looking behind the veil, he that 
perceives a semblance between the thinker and his 
thought on canvas, blames him not. 

Because my ideal of an angel is a woman without 
feathers on her wings, — is it less artistic, or less natu- 
ral ? Pictures which present disordered phases of ma- 
terial conceptions and personality blind with animality, 
are not my concepts of angels. What is the material 
ego, but the counterfeit of the spiritual ? 

The truest art of Christian Science, is to be a Chris- 
tian Scientist ; — and it demands more than a Raphael 
to delineate this Art. 

The following is an extract from a letter reverting to 
the Illustrations of " Christ and Christmas " : — 

" In my last letter, I did not utter all I felt about the 
wonderful new book you have given us. Years ago, 
while in Italy, I studied the old masters and their great 
works of art thoroughly, and so got quite an idea of 
what constitutes true art. Then I spent two years in 
Paris, devoting every moment to the study of music and 
art. 

" The first thing that impressed me in your illustra- 
tions, was the conscientious application to detail, which is 
the foundation of true art. From that. I went on to study 
each illustration thoroughly, and to my amazement and 
delight I find an almost identical resemblance, in many 
things, to the old masters ! In other words, the art is 
perfect. 

" The hands and feet of the figures — how many times 
have I seen these hands and feet in Angelico's ' Jesus,' 
or Botticelli's ' Madonna ! ' 

" It gave me such a thrill of joy as no words can ex- 



376 MISCELLANEOUS WETTINGS. 

press, to see produced to-day that art — the only true 
art — that we have identified with the old masters, and 
mourned as belonging to them exclusively, — a thing of 
the past, impossible of reproduction. 

" All that I can say to you, as one who gives no mean 
attention to such matters, is, that the art is perfect. It 
is the true art of the oldest, most revered, most authen- 
tic Italian School, revived. I use the words, most au- 
thentic, in the following sense : the face, figure, and 
drapery of Jesus, very closely resemble in detail the 
face, figure, and drapery of that Jesus portrayed by the 
oldest of the old masters, and said to have been authen- 
tic ; the face having been taken by Fra Angelico from 
Cassar's Cameo, — the figure and garments, from a de- 
scription, in 'The Galaxy,' of a small sketch handed down 
from the living reality. Their productions are expres- 
sionless copies of an engraving cut in a stone. Yours 
is a palpitating, living Saviour engraven on the heart. 
You have given us back our Jesus, and in a much better 
form." 



SUNRISE AT PLEASANT VIEW. 

Who shall describe the brave splendor of a November 
sky, that this morning burst through the lattice for me, 
on my bed ? According to terrestrial calculations, above 
the horizon, in the east, there rose one rod of rainbow 
hues, crowned with an acre of Eldritch ebony. Little 
by little this topmost pall, drooping over a deeply daz- 
zling sunlight, softened, grew gray, then gay, and glided 
into a glory of mottled marvels. Fleecy, faint, fairy 
blue and golden flecks came out on a background of 



SUNEISE AT PLEASANT VIEW. 377 

cerulean hue ; while the lower lines of light kindled into 
gold, orange, pink, crimson, violet ; and diamond, topaz, 
opal, garnet, turquoise, and sapphire spangled the gloom 
in celestial space, as with the brightness of His glory. 
Then thought I, What are we, that He who fashions for- 
ever such forms and hues of Heaven, should move our 
brush or pen, to paint frail fairness or to weave a web 
of words that glow with gladdening gleams of God, so 
unapproachable, and yet so near and full of radiant relief 
in clouds and darkness ! 



CHAPTER X. 

INKLINGS HISTORIC. 

ABOUT the year 1862, while the author of this 
work was at Dr. Vail's Hydropathic Institute 
in New Hampshire, this occurred : A patient 
considered incurable left that institution, and 
in a few weeks returned apparently well, having been 
healed, as he informed the patients, by one Mr. P. P. 
Quimby, of Portland, Maine. 

After much consultation among ourselves, and a 
struggle with pride, the author, in company with sev- 
eral other patients, left the Water Cure, en route for 
the aforesaid doctor in Portland. He proved to be a 
magnetic practitioner. His treatment seemed at first 
to relieve her, but signally failed in healing her case. 

Having practised Homeopathy, it never occurred to 
the author to learn his practice, but she did ask him 
how manipulation could benefit the sick. He answered 
kindly and squarely, in substance, " Because it conveys 
electricity to them." That was the sum of what he 
taught her of his medical profession. 

The readers of my books cannot fail to see that 
metaphysical therapeutics, as in Christian Science, are 
further removed from such thoughts than the nebulous 
system is from the earth. 



INKLINGS HISTOEIC. 379 

After treating his patients, Mr. Q nimby would retire 
to an ante-room and write at his desk. I had a curiosity 
to know if he indited anything pathological relative to 
his patients, and asked if I could see his pennings on 
my case. He immediately presented them. I read the 
copy in his presence, and returned it to him. The com- 
position was commonplace, mostly descriptive of the 
general appearance, height, and complexion of the indi- 
vidual, and the nature of the case : it was not at all 
metaphysical or scientific ; and from his remarks, I 
inferred that his writings usually ran in the vein of 
thought presented by these. He was neither a scholar 
nor a metaphysician. 1 never heard him say that mat- 
ter was not as real as Mind, or that electricity was not 
as potential or remedial, or allude to God as the Divine 
Principle of all healing. He certainly had advanced 
views of his own, but they commingled error with truth, 
and were not Science. On his rare humanity and sym- 
pathy one could write a sonnet. 

I had already experimented in medicine beyond the 
basis of materia medica, — up to the highest attenuation 
in Homeopathy, thence to a mental standpoint not un- 
derstood, and with phenomenally good results ; a mean- 
while, assiduously pondering the solution of this great 
question : Is it matter, or is it Mind, that heals the 
sick ? 

It was after Mr. Quimby's death, that I discovered, 
in 1866, the momentous facts relating to Mind and its 
superiority over matter, and named my discovery Chris- 
tian Science. Yet, there remained the difficulty of 
adjusting in the scale of Science a metaphysical prac- 
1 See Science and Health, p. 49. 



380 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

tice, and settling the question, What shall be the out- 
ward sign of such a practice : if a Divine Principle 
alone heals, what is the human modus for demonstrat- 
ing this, — in short, how can sinful mortals prove that a 
Divine Principle heals the sick, as well as governs the 
universe, time, space, immortality, man ? 

When contemplating the majesty and magnitude of 
this query, it looked as if centuries of spiritual growth 
were requisite to enable me to elucidate or to demon- 
strate what I had discovered : but an unlooked-for, 
imperative, call for help, impelled me to begin this stu- 
pendous work at once, and teach the first student in 
Christian Science. Even as when an accident called 
fatal to life, had driven me to discover the Science of 
Life, I again, in faith, turned to Divine help, — and com- 
menced teaching. 

My students at first practised in slightly differing 
forms. Although J could heal mentally, without a sign 
save the immediate recovery of the sick, my students' 
patients, and people generally, called for a sign — a ma- 
terial evidence wherewith to satisfy the sick that some- 
thing was being done for them; and I said, " Suffer it 
to be so now," for thus saith our Master. Experience, 
however, taught me the impossibility of demonstrating 
the Science of Metaphysical Healing by any outward 
form of practice. 

In April, 1883, a bill in equity was filed in the United 
States Circuit Court in Boston, to restrain, by decree 
and order of the Court, the unlawful publishing and use 
of an infringing pamphlet printed and issued by a 
student of Christian Science. 

Answer was filed by the defendant, alleging that the 



INKLINGS HISTORIC. 381 

copyrighted works of Mrs. Eddy were not original with 
her, but had been copied by her, or by her direction 
from manuscripts originally composed by Dr. P. P. 
Quimby. 

Testimony was taken on the part of Mrs. Eddy, the 
defendant being present personally and by counsel. 
The time for taking testimony on the part of the 
defendant having nearly expired, he gave notice through 
his counsel that he should not put in testimony. Later, 
Mrs. Eddy requested her lawyer to inquire of defendant's 
counsel, why he did not present evidence to support his 
claim that Dr. Quimby was the author of her writings ? 
Accordingly, her counsel asked the defendant's counsel 
this question, and he replied, in substance, " There is 
no evidence to present." 

The stipulation for a judgment and a decree in favor 
of Mrs. Eddy, was drawn up and signed by counsel. 
It was ordered that the complainant (Mrs. Eddy) 
recover of the defendant her cost of suit, taxed at 
($113.09) one hundred thirteen and -j-jj-g- dollars. 

A Writ of Injunction was issued under the seal of the 
said Court, restraining the defendant from directly 
or indirectly printing, publishing, selling, giving away, 
distributing, or in any way or manner disposing of, 
the enjoined pamphlet, on penalty of ten thousand 
dollars. 

The infringing books, to the number of thirty-eight 
hundred or thereabouts, were put under the edge of 
the knife, and their unlawful existence destroyed, in 
Boston, Massachusetts. 

It has been written that " nobody can be both founder 
and discoverer of the same thing." If this declaration 



382 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

were either a truism or a rule, my experience would 
contradict it and prove an exception. 

No works on the subject of Christian Science existed, 
prior to my discovery of this Science. Before the 
publication of my first work on this doctrine, a few 
manuscripts of mine were in circulation. The discovery 
and founding of Christian Science has cost more than 
thirty years of unremitting toil and unrest ; but, com- 
paring those with the joy of knowing that the sinner and 
the sick are helped thereby, that time and eternity bear 
witness to this gift of God to the race, 1 am the debtor. 

In the latter half of the nineteentli century, I discov- 
ered the Science of Christianity, and restored the first 
patient healed in this age by Christian Science. I 
taught the first student in Christian Science Mind-heal- 
ing ; was author and publisher of the first books on this 
subject ; obtained the first charter for the first Christian 
Science Church, originated its form of government, and 
was its first Pastor. I donated to this church the land 
on which in 1894 was erected the first church edifice 
of this denomination in Boston : obtained the first and 
only charter for a Metaphysical medical college, — was 
its first and only president ; was editor and proprietor of 
the first Christian Science periodical ; organized the first 
Christian Scientist Association, wrote its Constitution 
and By-laws, — as also the Constitution and By-laws of 
the National Christian Science Association ; and gave it 
the Christian Science Journal ; inaugurated our denomi- 
national form of Sunday services, Sunday school, and 
the entire System of teaching and -practising Christian 
Science. 

In 1895, 1 ordained that the Bible, and Science and 



INKLINGS HISTOEIC. 383 

Health with Key to the Scriptures, the Christian 
Science Text-book, be the Pastor, on this planet, of all 
the churches of the Christian Science Denomination. 
This ordinance took effect the same year, and met with 
the universal approval and support of Christian Scien- 
tists. Whenever and wherever a church of Christian 
Science is established, its Pastor is the Bible and My 
Book. 

In 1896, it goes without saying, preeminent over igno- 
rance or envy, that Christian Science is founded by its 
discoverer, and built upon the Rock of Christ. The 
elements of earth beat in vain against the immortal par- 
apets of this Science. Erect and eternal, it will go on 
with the ages, go down the dim posterns of time un- 
harmed, and on every battlefield rise higher in the esti- 
mation of thinkers, and in the hearts of Christians. 



c 



CHAPTER XI. 

POEMS. 

COME THOU. 

OME, in the minstrel's lay ; 
When two hearts meet, 
And true hearts greet, 

And all is morn and May. 



Come Thou ! and now, anew, 
To thought and deed 
Give sober speed, 

Thy will to know, and do. 

Stay ! till the storms are o'er - 
The cold blasts done, 
The reign of Heaven begun, 

And Love, the evermore. 

Be patient, waiting heart : 

Light, love Divine 

Is here, and thine ; 
You therefore cannot part. 

" The seasons come and go : 
Love, like the sea, 
Rolls on with thee, — 
But knows no ebb and flow. 



poems. 385 

" Faith, hope, and tears, triune, 
Above the sod 
Find peace in God, 
And one eternal noon." 

Oh ! Thou hast heard my prayer ; 

And I am blest ! 

This is Thy high behest : — 
Thou here, and everywhere. 



MEETING OE MY DEPARTED MOTHER AND HUSBAND. 

" Joy for thee, happy friend ! thy bark is past 
The dangerous sea, and safely moored at last — 

Beyond rough foam. 
Soft gales celestial, m sweet music bore, — 
Mortal emancipate for this far shore, — 

Thee to thy home. 

" You 've travelled long, and far from mortal joys, 
To Soul's diviner sense, that spurns such toys, 

Brave wrestler, lone. 
Now see thy ever-self ; Life never fled ; 
Man is not mortal, never of the dead : 

The dark unknown. 

" When hope soared high, and joy was eagle-plumed, 
Thy pinions drooped ; the flesh was weak, and doomed 

To pass away. 
But faith triumphant round thy death-couch shed 
Majestic forms ; and radiant glory sped 

The dawning day. 

25 



386 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

" Intensely grand and glorious this sphere, — 
Beyond the shadow, infinite appear 

Life, Love divine, — 
Where mortal yearnings come not, sighs are stilled, 
And home and peace and hearts are found and filled : 

Thine, ever thine. 

" Bearest thou no tidings from our loved on earth, 
The toiler tireless for Truth's new birth 

All-unbeguiled ? 
Our joy is gathered from her parting sigh : 
This hour looks on her heart with pitying eye, — 

What of my child ? " 

" When severed by death's dream, I woke to life : 
She deemed I died, and could not know the strife 

At first to fill 
That waking with a love that steady turns 
To God ; a hope that ever upward yearns, 

Bowed to his will. 

" Years had passed o 'er thy broken household band, 
When angels beckoned me to this bright land, 

With thee to meet. 
She that has wept o'er thee, kissed my cold brow, 
Rears the sad marble to our memory now, 

In lone retreat. 

" By the remembrance of her loyal life, 
And parting prayer, I only know my wife, 

Thy child, shall come, — 
Where farewells cloud not o'er our ransomed rest, — 
Hither to reap, with all the crowned and blest, 

Of bliss the sum. 



poems. 387 

" When Love's rapt sense the heart-strings gently sweep 
With joy divinely fair, the high and deep, 

To call her home, 
She shall mount upward unto purer skies ; 
We shall be waiting, in what glad surprise, 

Our spirit's own ! " 



LOVE. 

Brood o'er us with Thy shelt'ring wing, 
'Neath which our spirits blend 

Like brother birds, that soar and sing, 
And on the same branch bend. 

The arrow that doth wound the dove 

Darts not from those who watch and love. 

If thou the bending reed wouldst break 

By thought or word unkind, 
Pray that His spirit all partake, 

Who loved and healed mankind : 
Seek holy thoughts and heavenly strain, 
That make men one in love remain. 

Learn, too, that wisdom's rod is given 

For faith to kiss, and know ; 
That greetings glorious from high Heaven, 

Whence joys supernal flow, 
Come from that Love divinely near, 
Which chastens pride and earth-born fear, 



388 MISCELLANEOUS WEITINGS. 

Through God, who gave that word of might 
Which swelled creation's lay : — 

" Let there be light, and there was light." 
What chased the clouds away ? 

'T was Love whose finger traced aloud 

A bow of promise on the cloud. 

Thou to whose power our hope we give, 

Free us from human strife. 
Fed by Thy love divine we live, 

For Love alone is Life ; — 
And life most sweet, as heart to heart 
Speaks kindly when we meet and part. 



WOMAN'S RIGHTS. 

Grave on her monumental pile : — 
She won from vice, by virtue's smile, 
Her dazzling crown, her sceptred throne, 
Affection's wreath, a happy home ; 

The right to worship deep and pure, 
To bless the orphan, feed the poor ; 
Last at the cross to mourn her Lord, 
First at the tomb to hear His word : 

To fold an angel's wings below ; 
And hover o'er the couch of woe ; 
To nurse the Bethlehem babe so sweet, 
The right to sit at Jesus' feet ; 



poems. 389 



To form the bud for bursting bloom, 
The hoary head with joy to crown ; 
In short, the right to work and pray, 
" To point to heaven and lead the way 



THE MOTHER'S EVENING PRAYER. 

Oh ! gentle presence, peace and joy and power, — 
Oh ! Life divine, that owns each waiting hour, 

Thou Love that guards the nestling's faltering flight ! 
Keep Thou my child on upward wing to-night. 

Love is our refuge ; only with mine eye 
Can I behold the snare, the pit, the fall : 

His habitation high is here, and nigh, 
His arm encircles me, and mine, and all. 

Oh ! make me glad for every scalding tear, 
For hope deferred, ingratitude, disdain ! 

Wait, and love more for every hate,, and fear 
No ill, — since God is good, and loss is gain. 

Beneath the shadow of His mighty wing ; 

In that sweet secret of the narrow way, 
Seeking and finding, with the angels sing : 

" Lo ! I am with you alway," — watch and pray. 

No snare, no fowler, pestilence or pain ; 

No night drops down upon the troubled breast, 
When heaven's aftersmile, earth's teardrops gain 

And mother finds her home and far-off rest. 



890 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 



JUNE. 

Whence are thy wooings, gentle June ? 

Thou hast a Naiad's charm ; 
Thy breezes scent the rose's breath ; 

Old Time gives thee her palm. 
The lark's shrill song doth wake the dawn 

The eve-bird's forest flute 
Gives back some maiden melody, 

Too pure for aught so mute. 

The fairy-peopled world of flowers, 

Enraptured by thy spell, 
Looks love unto the laughing hours, 

Through woodland, grove, and dell ; 
And soft thy footstep falls upon 

The verdant grass it weaves ; 
To melting murmurs ye have stirred 

The timid, trembling leaves. 

When sunshine beautifies the shower, 

As smiles through teardrops seen, 
Ask of its June, the long-hushed heart, 

What hath the record been ? 
And thou wilt find that harmonies, 

In which the Soul hath part, 
Ne'er perish young, like things of earth,— 

In records of the heart. 



POEMS. 391 



WISH AND ITEM. 

I hope the heart that 's hungry 
For things above the floor, 

Will find within its portals 
An item rich in store : 

That melancholy mortals 

Will count their mercies o'er, 

And learn that Truth and wisdom 
Have many items more : 

That when a wrong is done us 
It stirs no thought of strife ; 

And love becomes the substance, 
As item, of our life : 

That every ragged urchin, 
With bare feet soiled or sore, 

Share God's most tender mercies, 
Find items at our door. 

Then if we 've done to others 
Some good ne'er told before, 

When angels shall repeat it, 
'T will be an item more. 



392 MISCELLANEOUS WKITINGS. 



THE OAK ON THE MOUNTAIN'S SUMMIT. 

Ah, mountain-monarch at whose feet I stand, — 
Clouds to adorn thy brow, skies clasp thy hand, — 
Nature Divine, in harmony profound, 
With peaceful presence hath begirt thee round. 

And thou, majestic oak, from yon high place 
Guard'st thou the earth, asleep in night's embrace, 
And from thy lofty summit, pouring down 
Thy sheltering shade, her noonday glories crown ? 

Whate'er thy mission, mountain sentinel, 
To my lone heart thou art a power and spell ; 
A lesson grave, of life, that teacheth me 
To love the Hebrew figure of a tree. 

Faithful and patient be my life as thine ; 
As strong to wrestle with the storms of time ; 
As deeply rooted in a soil of love ; 
As grandly rising to the heavens above. 



ISLE OF WIGHT. 
Written on receiving a painting of the Isle. 

Isle of beauty, thou art singing 
To my sense a sweet refrain ; 

To my busy mem'ry bringing 
Scenes that I would see again. 



poems. 393 

Chief, the charm of thy reflecting, 

Is the moral that it brings ; 
Nature, with the mind connecting, 

Gives the artist's fancy wings. 

Soul, sublime 'mid human debris, 
Paints the limner's work, I ween, 

Art and Science, all unweary, 
Lighting up this mortal dream. 

Work ill-done within the misty 
Mine of human thoughts, we see 

Soon abandoned when the Master 
Crowns life's Cliff for such as we. 

Students wise, he maketh now thus 

Those who fish in waters deep, 
"When the buried Master hails us 

From the shores afar, complete. 

Art hath bathed this isthmus-lordling 

In a beauty strong and meek 
As the rock, whose upward tending 

Points the plane of power to seek. 

Isle of beauty, thou art teaching 
Lessons long and grand, to-night, 

To my heart that would be bleaching 
To thy whiteness, Cliff of Wight. 



394: MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 



HOPE. 

'T is borne on the zephyr at eventide's hour ; 

It falls on the heart like the dew on the flower, — 

An infinite essence from tropic to pole, 

The promise, the home, and the Heaven of Soul. 

Hope happifies life, at the altar or bower, 
And loosens the fetters of pride and of power ; 
It comes through our tears as the soft summer rain 
To beautify, bless, and make joyful again. 

The harp of the minstrel, the treasure of time; 
A rainbow of rapture, o'er-arching, divine ; 
The God-given mandate that speaks from above, — ■ 
No place for earth's idols, but hope thou, and love. 



RONDELET. 

" The flowers of June 
The gates of memory unbar : 

The flowers of June 
Such old-time harmonies retune, 
I fain would keep the gates ajar, — 
So full of sweet enchantment are 
The flowers of June." 

James T. White. 



poems. 395 



TO MR. JAMES T. WHITE. 

Who loves not' June 
Is out of tune 
With love and God ; 
The rose his rival reigns, 
The stars reject his pains, 
His home the clod ! 

And yet I trow, 

When sweet rondeau 

Doth play a part, 

The curtain drops on June ; 

Veiled is the modest moon. - 

Hushed is the heart. 



AUTUMN. 
Written in childhood, in a maple grove. 

What though earth's jewels disappear ; 

The turf, whereon I tread, 
Ere Autumn blanch another year, 

May rest above my head. 

Touched by the finger of decay 

Is every earthly love ; 
For Joy, to shun my weary way, 

Is registered above. 

The languid brooklets yield their sighs, 
v A requiem o'er the tomb 
Of sunny days and cloudless skies, 
Enhancing Autumn's gloom. 



396 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

The wild winds mutter, howl, and moan, 
To scare my woodland walk, 

And frightened fancy flees, to roam 
Where ghosts and goblins stalk. 

The cricket's sharp, discordant scream 
Fills every sense with dread ; 

More terrible it scarce could seem ; 
It voices joy that 's fled. 

Yet here, upon this faded sod, — 
Oh ! happy hours and fleet, — 

When songsters' matin hymns to God 
Are poured in strains so sweet, 

My heart unbidden joins rehearse, 

Perhaps 't is better made, 
When mingling with the universe, 

Beneath the maple's shade. 



CHRIST MY REFUGE. 

O'er waiting harpstrings of the mind 

There sweeps a strain, 
Low, sad, and sweet, whose measures bind 

The power of pain, 

And wake a white-winged angel throng 

Of thoughts, illumed 
By faith, and breathed in raptured song, 

With love perfumed. 



poems. 397 

Then His unveiled, sweet mercies show 

Life's burdens light ; 
I kiss the cross, and wait to know 

A world more bright. 

And o'er earth's troubled, angry sea, 

I see Christ walk, 
And come to me, and tenderly, 

Divinely talk. 

Thus Truth engrounds me on the Rock 

Upon Life's shore, 
'Gainst which the winds and waves can shock, 

Oh, nevermore ! 

From tired joy and grief afar, 

And nearer Thee, — 
Father, where Thine own children are, 

I love to be. 

My prayer, some daily good to do 

To thine, for thee ; 
An offering pure of Love, whereto 

God leadeth me. 



SHEPHERD, SHOW ME HOW TO GO. 

Shephebd, show me how to go 

O'er the hillside steep, 
How to gather, how to sow, — 

How to feed Thy sheep ; 



398 MISCELLANEOUS YfKITINGS. 

I will listen for Thy voice, 
Lest my footsteps stray ; 

I will follow and rejoice 
All the rugged way. 

Thou wilt bind the stubborn will, 

Wound the callous breast, 
Make self-righteousness be still, 

Break earth's stupid rest. 
Strangers on a barren shore, 

Lab'ring long and lone, 
We would enter by the door, 

And Thou know'st Thine own ; 

So, when day grows dark and cold, 

Tear or triumph harms, 
Lead Thy lambkins to the fold, 

Take them in Thine arms ; 
Feed the hungry, heal the heart, 

Till the morning's beam ; 
White as wool, ere they depart, 

Shepherd, wash them clean. 



COMMUNION HYMN. 

Saw ye my Saviour ? Heard ye the glad sound ? 

Felt ye the power of the Word ? 

'T was the Truth that made us free, 

And was found by you and me 

In the life and the love of our Lord. 



poems. 399 

Mourner, it calls you, — " Come to my bosom ; 
Love wipes your tears all away, 
And will lift the shade of gloom, 
And for you make radiant room 
Midst the glories of one endless day." 

Sinner, it calls you, — " Come to this fountain ; 

Cleanse the foul senses within ; 

'T is the Spirit that makes pure, 

That exalts thee, and will cure 

All thy sorrow and sickness and sin." 

Strongest Deliverer, Friend of the friendless, 

Life of all Being divine : 

Thou the Christ, and not the creed ; 

Thou the Truth in thought and deed ; 

Thou the water, the bread, and the wine. 



LAUS DEO! 

Written on laying the corner-stone of the Mother Church, 

Laus Deo, it is done ! 

Rolled away from loving heart 

Is a stone. 
Lifted higher, we depart, 

Having one. 

Laus Deo, — on this Rock 
(Heaven chiselled squarely good) 

Stands His Church, — 
God is Love, and understood 

By His flock. 



400 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

Laus Deo, night star-lit, 
Slumbers not in God's embrace ; 

Be awake ; 
Like this stone, be in thy place : 

Stand, not sit. 

Grave, silent, steadfast stone, 
Dirge and song and shoutings low 

In thy heart 
Dwell serene, — and sorrow ? No, 

It has none. 

Laus Deo ! 



A VERSE. 
mother's new tear gift to the little children. 

Father, Mother, God, 

Loving me, — 
Guard me when I sleep ; 
Guide my little feet 

Up to Thee. 

TO THE BIG CHILDREN. 

Father, Mother, Good, lovingly 

Thee I seek, — 

Patient, meek, 
In the way Thou hast, — 
Be it slow or fast, 

Up to Thee. 



CHAPTER XII. 

LETTERS FROM THOSE HEALED BY READING " SCIENCE 
AND HEALTH WITH KEY TO THE SCRIPTURES." 

The Editor of the Christian Science Journal (95 Falmouth Street, 
Boston, Mass.) holds the original of most of the letters that authenticate 
these. 

IT is something more than a year and a half since I 
was cured of a complication of diseases, through 
reading Science and Health with Key to the 
Scriptures. 

'Becoming at an early age disgusted with drugs, I 
learned hygiene, and practised it faithfully for over 
twenty years ; then I began to lose all faith in its 
efficacy, became greatly discouraged, and, as I had never 
been cured of a single ailment, I rapidly grew worse in 
health. Hearing of this, a dear sister brought me 
Science and Health. Her admonition was, " Now 

read it, E ; I have heard that just the reading of 

that book has been known to heal the sick." 

I had read to, and through, " Teaching and Healing," 
and was so deeply interested that I began reading that 
blessed chapter over again, — when I found I was cured 
of my dyspepsia, that I could use my strength in lifting 
without feeling the old distressing pain in my side, and 
also that the pain in the kidneys only came on at night, 

26 



402 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

waking me out of sleep. Then I began my first con- 
scious treatments : of course I followed no formula, and 
I needed none. A cry for help, knowing it would be 
answered ; precious texts from the Bible, which had 
already become like a new book to me ; sweet assurance 
of faith by the witnessing Spirit ; strong logical con- 
clusions, learned from Science and Health : what a 
wealth of material ! Before finishing the book, all tend- 
ency to my old aches and pains had left me, and I have 
been a strong, healthy woman ever since. 

My first demonstration with another than myself, was 
also before I had finished my first reading. My husband 
was cured of the belief of bilious fever, by not over ten 
minutes' treatment; the fever and pain in head and 
limbs disappearing in that instantaneous way, as soon as 
I could summon sufficient courage to offer my services 
in this, to us, new but glorious work. He slept soundly 
that night (the treatment was given about 10 a. m.), and 
ate and worked as usual the next day, with no symptoms 
of a relapse then or afterward. That was in March, 
1888 ; in the following August, I met in one of our 
Rocky Mountain berry patches, a lady who complained 
so bitterly that I felt compelled to offer her treatment. 
Her words when I visited her at her home during 
Christmas week, will give some idea of the result : — 

" Yes, I am doing three women's work, — attending to 
my own and my son's housework, and caring for his wife 
and new-born babe ; but I am equal to it ! When I 
think of all the Lord has done for me ! Why, Mrs. S., 
I was cured with that first treatment you gave me, I 
know ; because I went out to gather berries that day and 
was caught in a drenching shower, — and for ten years 



LETTERS FROM THOSE HEALED. 403 

before, I could not bear the least exposure without 
suffering from those dreadful headaches I told you 
about, and from dysentery, — but that day I had neither. 
I had once been laid out for dead, — lying there perfectly 
conscious, hearing my friends grieving over me, — but I 
did not want to come to, I suffered so. No, I never have 
any of those ailments. I am a well, hearty woman, — and 
that is not all. I had been seeking religion for more than 
twenty years, but I never knew how Christians felt, till I 
told you I was cured that day on the camp ground." 

On the first of this year I was so blessed as to receive 
a course of lessons from one of our Teacher's students. 
Now, I am only trusting that the time will come when I 
may be enabled to teach others the way of Truth, as well 
as to add to the many demonstrations God has given 
me. E. D. S. 



A student of Christian Science was employed in the 
Massachusetts State Prison at Charlestown, to teach the 
prisoners to make shoes. He carried his copy of Sci- 
ence and Health with Key to the Scriptures and 
the Journal with him, and as he had the opportunity, 
would tell the men what this wonderful Truth could do 
for them, setting them free in a larger and higher sense 
than they had dreamed of. 

We make extracts from a number of letters that one 
of the prisoners has writteu to those who are interesting 
themselves in this work. 

Editor of the Christian Science Journal: 

" At the prison, once a week, there are Christian 
papers given to the inmates. But none of those papers 



404 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

point out so clearly the fallibility of the mortal or carnal 
rnind, and the infallibility of the divine Mind, as does 
the teaching of Christian Science. 

" I was strangely blind and stupid. I loved sin, and 
it seemed as though I never would be able to forsake it. 
I did everything that would be expected of one entirely 
ignorant of God. 

" I also had a complication of diseases. I could not 
begin to describe the medicines I have taken. 

" I no longer look for material treatment, but hum- 
bly seek for the divine assistance of Jesus, through the 
way Christian Science has taught me. I am, indeed, 
an altered man. I now have no more doubt of the 
way of salvation than I have of the way to the prison 
workshop. 

" I am very grateful to the students of Christian Sci- 
ence, for the interest they have taken in me and my fel- 
low-prisoners. Their letters and books have been of 
great profit, and in accordance with their wish I have 
done what I could for the others. 

" I gave the Journal to every man who would accept 
it, and related my experience to those who would listen. 
I told them they need go no farther than myself to see 
what the demonstration was ; for not only have my eyes 
been healed, but many other ailments have disappeared. 

" Some of the fellows told me I was becoming reli- 
giously insane, but acting upon your advice, I did not 
stop to argue with those opposed ; and I am glad to be 
able to tell you that those who expressed interest were 
more than those who opposed. 

" The chaplain told me I could keep Science and 
Health until I got through with it. I never should 



LETTEES FKOM THOSE HEALED. 405 

get through with that book, but, as others were waiting 
for it, I did not like to keep it too long. God bless the 
author ! 

" I need have no fear after leaving here ; I feel that 
I can make an honest living. I can honestly add, that 
my bad reputation is largely due to my lack of educa- 
tion. What little I do know, I learned here and in the 
House of Correction. I tell you this, for I feel that I 
must be honest with the kind friends who have done so 
much for me. 

" Providing I should not be paroled, I shall remain 
here until the 24th of next December. God bless 
you all. J. C." 

I am glad to tell how I was healed. Beliefs of con- 
sumption, dyspepsia, neuralgia, piles, tobacco, and bad. 
language held me in bondage for many years. Doctors 
that were consulted did nothing to relieve me, and I 
constantly grew worse. Nearly two years ago a lady 
told me that if I would read a book called Science and 
Health with Key to the Scriptures I would be healed. 
I told her I would " go into it for all it was worth," and 
I have found that it is worth all. I got the book, and 
read day and night : I saw that it must be true, and be- 
lieved that what I could not then understand would be 
made clear later. 

After some days' reading I was affected with drowsi- 
ness followed by vomiting. This lasted several hours ; 
when I fell into a sleep, and awoke healed. The good I 
have received, and that I have been able to do in healing 
others, has all come from Science and Health. I re- 
ceived some instructions from teachers ; but they did me 



406 MISCELLANEOUS WEITINGS. 

more harm than good : I asked for bread, but they gave 
me a stone. I held to what I could understand of Sci- 
ence and Health ; and the Truth does not forsake me, 
but enables me to heal others. 

Last February, I was called to treat a child that the 
M.D.'s said was dying from lung fever : after the third 
treatment, the child got up and ran about, completely 
healed. Another child was brought to me, with rup- 
ture : after the second treatment, the truss was thrown 
away. An aged lady was healed of heart disease and 
chills, in one treatment. These cases brought me many 
more, that were also healed. 

The husband of a lady in the State Lunatic Asylum 
asked me to treat her ; she had been for two years and 
a half in the asylum, and though taken home in this 
time once or twice, she had had to be taken back. After 
two weeks of absent treatment, the husband visited her, 
and the doctor reported great improvement during the 
preceding two weeks. At the end of another two weeks, 
I went with the husband to the Asylum, and the doctor 
told us that she was well enough to go home. The hus- 
band asked the doctor how it was that she had improved 
so rapidly, and he said that he could not account for it. 
We said nothing about the Christian Science treatment, 
and took the lady home. This was about a year ago, 
and she has remained perfectly well. 

Many cases as striking as this can be referred to in 
this town, as evidence that Truth is the healer of sick- 
ness as well as of sin. Yours in health, J. B. H. 

No. 1. A lady friend who was found to have a severe 
attack of dysentery, was assured that such attacks could 



LETTERS FROM THOSE HEALED. 407 

be cured without medicine, and advised to take no more. 
She was more than astonished at the result ; for in less 
than an hour all pain and other symptoms of the trouble 
ceased, and she felt perfectly well the next day. 

No. 2. While she was visiting relatives in the country, 
an infant of theirs was attacked severely with croup, and 
appeared to be on the verge of suffocation, giving its par- 
ents much alarm. The infant was taken in the arms of 
the lady, in thirty minutes was completely relieved, went 
to sleep, and awoke in good health the next morning. 

No. 3. The mother of this child was subsequently 
attacked with a scrofulous swelling on the neck, just 
under the ear, which was very painful and disfiguring; 
the side of the face, also, being badly swollen. It was 
feared that this would develop into, and undergo the 
usual phenomenon of abscess, as other similar swellings 
had done previously. She had great faith in the meta- 
physical treatment, because of the experience which she 
had had with her baby, and wrote a letter describing her 
case. This was immediately answered, and " absent 
treatments " began. In twenty-four hours after receipt 
of the letter, to the astonishment of herself and family, 
the tumor had entirely disappeared : there was not a 
trace of it left ; although the day before it was fully as 
large as " a hen's egg, ,f and red, and tender to the 
touch. 

These instances are only a few of the many cures 
which have been performed in this way, and they are 
mentioned simply to show what good work may be done 
by any earnest, conscientious person who has gained by 
reading my works the proper understanding of the 
Principle of Christian Science. 



408 MISCELLANEOUS WEITINGS. 

What a wonderful field for enlightenment and profit 
lies open to those who seek after the Truth. Alas, that 
the feet of so few enter it ! 

Rev. M. B. G. Eddy : 

Will you kindly spare me a few moments for the peru- 
sal of these lines from a stranger, one who feels under 
a debt of gratitude to you ; for, through the " Divine 
Science " brought to light by you, I have been " made 
whole." I have been cured of a malignant cancer since 
I began to study u Christian Science," and have demon- 
strated the truth of it in a number of cases. I have only 
studied your good books, have been unable to take the 
lectures, for want of means. I dare not think of these, 
for there is no prospect that I shall be in a position to 
take the course at all. I do not allow myself to com- 
plain, but cheerfully take up my books and study, and 
feel thankful for this Light. 

M. E. W., Canon City, Col. 

Dear . Madam : May I thank you for your book, 
Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, and 
say how much I owe to it — almost my very life — - at a 
most critical time. . . . 

If it were not for the heat of your American summers 
(I had nine attacks of dysentery in the last one), and the 
expense, I should dearly like to learn from you person- 
ally ; but I must forego this, — at any rate, for the present. 
If you would write me what the cost would be for a 
course on Divine Metaphysics, I would try to manage it 
later on. 



LETTERS FROM THOSE HEALED. 409 

Meanwhile, I should be grateful if you would refer me 
to any one in this country who is interested similarly, 
for I get more kicks than halfpence in discussing it. 

Your obliged friend, (Rev.) I. G. W. Bishop. 

Bovingdon Vicarage, 
Hemel Hempstead, Herts, England. 



Extract from a Letter to Rev. M. B. G. Eddy. 

A gentleman here had hired all the most skilled 
doctors in the United States — nothing helped him. 
He was a ghost to look upon. I told him just to read 
my copies of your books. I talked to him, told him 
what he could do for himself if he but tried. He 
laughed at me. I was willing he should laugh, for it 
was very unusual for him to do this. He had your 
books two months, and last Sunday he returned them. 
I wish you could see him : he is well. He is happy, and 
told me he was going to write to you for the books for 
himself this week. E. E. B. 



Dear Madam : I have been a sickly person all my 
life, until a few months ago, and was confined to my 
bed every little while. It was during one of many 
attacks that your book, Science and Health with Key 
to the Scriptures, was handed me. 1 read it only a 
very short time, when I arose, well, went out into the 
kitchen, prepared a large dinner, and ate heartily of it. 

I have been up and well ever since, — a marvel to my 
friends and family, and sometimes they can hardly be- 
lieve it is I ; and feeling so grateful, 1 must tell you of 



410 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

it. I wish everybody in the world would read your 
book, for all would be benefited by it. 

Gratefully yours, Anna M. Smith. 

Dear Madam: About seven years ago, I was compelled 
to go to an oculist and have an operation performed upon 
my eyes. He fitted me with glasses which I wore for a 
considerable time, and then removed ; but the pain and 
difficulty returned, and I was obliged to go again to 
the oculist, who advised me never to take my glasses off 
again. 

I continued wearing them for fully five years longer, 
until some time in last January, when, upon reading your 
book, Science and Health with Key to the Scrip- 
tures, I again took them off. Since that time, though I 
have been in the courts reporting, and reading fine notes 
frequently, I have experienced no difficulty with my 
eyes. Very respectfully, 

William A. Smith, Wilmington, Del. 

Dear Mrs. Eddy : We have been studying- Science 
and Health with Key to the Scriptures for a year, 
and I cannot tell you how much it has done for us ; giv- 
ing us health instead of sickness, and giving us such an 
understanding of God as we never had before. Christian 
Science was our only help two weeks ago, when our baby 
was born. My husband and myself were alone. I dressed 
myself the next day ; commenced doing my work the 
third day, and am well and strong. It must be pleasing 
to you to know how much good your work is doing. 

Kittie Beck, Elmwood, Cass Co., Neb, 



LETTERS FROM THOSE HEALED. 411 

I was a helpless sufferer in August, 1883, and had 
been so for many years. The physicians said I had 
Cancer of the Uterus. I heard of your book, Science 
and Health with Key to the Scriptures, bought a 
copy, began reading it, and a great light seemed to 
break through the darkness. I cried aloud in joy, 
" This is what I have been hungering for, these many 
years ! " I studied it closely, and healed myself and 
several of my friends before I had taken instruction 
of any teacher. 

Mrs. S. A. McMahon, Wyandotte, Kans. 



I was healed thoroughly of the belief of chronic 
hepatitis and kidney-disease, by reading Science and 
Health with Key to the Scriptures. I have never, 
to this day, had the slightest return of it. 

J. P. Filbert, Council Bluffs, Iowa. 

You, dear Mrs. Eddy, have saved my life, through 
Science and Health ; and I feel that the patients healed 
through me should give the first thanks to God and 
to you. Mrs. D. S. Harriman, Kansas City, Mo. 



How grand your book, Science and Health with 
Key to the Scriptures, is. Tt is a translation of Truth. 
No amount of money could buy of me the book if I could 
not get another. No matter what suffering comes, phy- 
sically or mentally, I have only to take Science and 
Health, and almost invariably the first sentence brings 



412 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

relief. It seems to steady the thought. I do not think 
any student old enough to neglect reading it. When we 
think we are advanced far enough to let that book alone, 
then are we in danger. 

Mrs. Ellen P. Clark, Dorchester, Mass. 

Many thanks for the good received from your books. 
When I commenced reading them, I was carrying about 
a very sick body. Your books have healed me. I am 
now in perfect health. People look at me with surprise 
and say they do not understand it ; but when they see 
the sick ones made well, they are not always willing to 
believe it. 

Mrs. Joseph Tillson, South Hanson, Mass, 

Rev. M. B. G. Eddy : I add one more testimony of a 
cure from reading your book, Science and Health 
with Key to the Scriptures. Five years ago I lay 
prostrate with piles and inflammation of the bowels. 
All the coating came off, apparently. A stricture was 
formed, beyond medical reach. I then lived in Chicago. 
One of the best physicians, who made a specialty of 
treating piles, attended me. The pain was relieved, but 
my bowels were inactive, and remained so until New 
Year's Eve. 

I determined to trust all to God, or die before I would 
take any more medicine, as I never had an action unless 
I took a free dose of some laxative. If I forgot to take 
the medicine one night, or allowed myself to be without 
it, I had a terrible sick-headache for two or three days, 
and terrible backache. I never had backache at any 



LETTEES FBOM THOSE HEALED. 413 

other time, and the piles would be so much inflamed, in 
two days' time, that I could hardly tell where I suffered 
the worst. 

Since I have learned to trust all to God, I have not 
had the least trouble with the piles, nor one twinge of 
the backache. I have an easy action of the bowels each 
morning. It was five days after I resolved to leave 
medicine alone, before a natural movement took place ; 
and ever since I have been perfectly regular. It was a 
great effort for me to take that step, for I knew I was 
running the risk of throwing myself back into all mis- 
ery, and perhaps into a worse state than before. By 
reading Science and Health, I learned that God was 
able to save the body as well as the soul, and I believed 
His promises were for me. 

Mattie E. Mayfield, Des Moines, Iowa. 



For the Cause of Truth, I submit the following testi- 
monial for publication ; may it bring one more, at least, 
into the fold of Divine Science ! The Truth, as it is 
stated in Science and Health with Key to the Scrip- 
tures, has done much towards making our Home the 
abiding place of peace and harmony. I now write of 
the wonderful demonstration of Truth over the birth of 
my baby boy, two weeks ago. Sunday, September 23d, 
we went for a long drive of three hours ; at night I re- 
tired at the usual hour ; toward morning I was given a 
little warning ; when I awoke at seven o'clock, a. m., the 
birth took place. Not more than ten minutes after, I 
ate a hearty breakfast, and then had a refreshing sleep ; 
at ten o'clock walked across the room while my bed 



414 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

was dressed ; at twelve, took a substantial dinner ; most 
of the afternoon, sat up in bed, without any support but 
Truth ; at six in the evening, dressed myself and walked 
to the dining-room, and remained up for two hours. Next 
morning I arose at the usual hour, and have kept it up 
ever since, — was not confined to my bed one whole day. 
The second day was out walking in the yard ; and the 
third day, went for a drive in the morning, and received 
callers in the afternoon. If it had not been for the 
presence of my young hopeful, it would have been hard 
to believe that there had so recently been a belief of a 
birth in the house ; but then, I was sustained by Love, 
and had no belief of suffering, to take my strength 
away. Before baby was two weeks old, I cooked, 
swept, ran the sewing machine, etc., assisting with the 
housework generally. How grateful I am for the obstet- 
rics of this grand Science ! Mothers need no longer 
listen to the whispering lies of the old serpent, for the 
law of mortal mind is broken by Truth. 

Mrs, Dora Hossick, Carrolton, Mo. 



My wife and I have been healed by reading your book, 
Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. We 
both feel very grateful to you. 

Five months ago my wife gave birth to a child, with- 
out pain or inconvenience, has done all the housework 
since, and lias been every minute perfectly well. Neither 
she nor the child have been ill, — as was constantly the 
case with former children, — so we have thought it 
right to name the child Glover Eddy. 

We have been reading Science and Health nearly 



LETTERS FROM THOSE HEALED. 415 

two years, and have sold several copies to others. We 
are reading the Journal also this year. 

Yours respectfully, John B. Hocjsel, Lincoln, Neb. 



Dear Mother : The most blessed of women ! Oh, 
how I long to sit within range of your voice and hear 
the Truth that comes to you from on High ! for none 
could speak such wondrous thoughts as have come from 
your pen, except it be " the Spirit that speaketh in you." 

Two years ago last October, while laboring under a 
great strain of care and anxiety in regard to financial 
affairs, I heard of " Christian Science." I borrowed 
Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, and 
began to read. I bless God that I was driven to it by 
such an extremity. After reading some one hundred 
and fifty pages, I was convinced that it was the Truth 
for which I had searched during twenty years. While 
I was reading the chapter on u Imposition and Demon- 
stration," I was healed of endo-nutritus and prolapsus 
uteri of over twenty years' standing, pronounced incu- 
rable by eminent physicians. Professor Ludlam, the 
dean of Hahnemann Medical College, of Chicago, 111., 
was one of my doctors. 

Before I was healed, to walk seven or eight blocks 
would so fatigue me that it would take me a week to 
recover. I now started out and walked, and was on my 
feet all day and for several succeeding days, but felt no 
weariness from my labors. 

I felt, after being healed, I must have a Science and 
Health of my own. I had no money to buy it, so 
earned it by getting subscribers for the Journal. It 



416 MISCELLANEOUS WHITINGS. 

has gone with me everywhere I have been. I have been 
well ever since. 

I had suffered from bodily ailments, but they were 
nothing compared to my mental trials. Grief, hatred, 
jealousy, and revenge had well nigh bereft me of reason. 
I had lost a home of plenty, been reduced to almost 
abject poverty, and had become a cheerless woman, — 
could not smile without feeling I had sinned. 

All my griefs and sorrows are now turned to joy, and 
my hatred is changed to love. " Glory to God in the 
highest, peace on earth, and good will toward men." I 
read Science and Health, and all your other books, 
together with the New Testament, every minute I can 
get. E. B. C.,' Omaha, Neb. 



I must add one more to your great pile of letters, to 
tell you what your book, Science and Health with 
Key to the Scriptures, has done for me and my fam- 
ily. More than a year ago, my husband was suffering 
from an injury received about a year previous, and he 
went to Mrs. B. for treatment. His shoulder had been 
fractured, his collar-bone broken, and he had sustained 
internal injuries. Several M. D.'s had attended him, 
but had given him very little relief. Mrs. B. treated 
him a short time, and he received much benefit. He 
bought Science and Health. From reading it, I was 
cured of a belief of chronic liver complaint. I suffered 
so much from headaches and constipation, and other 
beliefs, that I seldom ever saw a well day ; but, thanks 
to you and Divine Principle, I now seldom ever have a 
belief of feeling badly. 



LETTERS FEOM THOSE HEALED. 417 

November 4th, last, I was confined. I was alone, 
because I knew no one whose thought was in harmony 
with Science. I thought I could get along without help, 
and I did. My little girl was sleeping in the same room 
with me, and after the birth she called a woman who 
was asleep upstairs, to take care of the baby. This 
woman was much frightened ; but, on seeing how com- 
posed I was, she got over her fright. I was sitting up 
in bed, holding the child, and feeling as well as I ever 
did in my life. I never had seen a Scientist nor been 
treated, but got all my ideas from Science and Health. 
My baby was born on Sunday morning, and I got up 
Monday at noon, and stayed up. I never got along so 
well with a baby as I did with this one. 

I am very thankful for the knowledge of Science I 
have gained through your book. I want so much to be 
a Scientist ; but we are very poor. My husband is a 
brakeman on the. railroad ; and I have very little educa- 
tion. There is comfort in the thought, that, if I can't 
be a Scientist, my children may be. Yours with much 
love, C. A. W., Lexington, Mo. 



In the February Journal it appears there is some one 
who says that " Science and Health, with Key to the 
Scriptures, is hard to understand," and who thinks she 
can explain it. Perhaps my experience with Science 
and Health may help some one who might otherwise 
take up this thought, and so be led away from the Truth. 
After reading and studying it for some time, and talking 
to the Scientists I met in my travels, the thought came 
to me, " Why not try these truths on yourself V\ I did 

27 



418 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

so, and to my surprise and great joy I found immediate 
relief. Dyspepsia (the trouble of most commercial 
travellers), catarrh, and many lesser beliefs, left me, 
so that in a short time I was a well man, and by no 
other means than trusting to the Saviour's promises as 
explained in Science and Health. This took place 
while I was travelling about the country. 

On my return home, I gave my wife treatments. In 
many instances the blessing came before the treatment 
was finished, and often we proved that only a thought 
of the power of Truth was sufficient to, give relief. 

One Sunday morning soon after my return, a friend 
called and asked if I could give him anything to relieve 
his wife, who, he said, had been suffering for some days 
with rheumatism in her shoulder, so severely that she 
could neither dress alone nor comb her hair. I told him 
that the only medicine we had in the house, was Chris- 
tian Science. He laughed at the idea ; but before he 
left, he asked if I would give his wife a treatment. I 
told him I was very young in Science, but if she wished 
it, I would. He went home, but returned immediately, 
saying she wished me to come. Then I asked help from 
the fountain of Truth, and started for my first treatment 
to be given away from home. When I left their room 
fifteen minutes later, she was shaking her hand high 
above her head, and exclaiming, "I am all right; I am 
well ! " That was in November '87, and she has had no 
return of the belief since. 

A friend told me that his son, twelve years old, had 
catarrh so badly that his breath was very offensive, his 
throat troubled him all the time, and that he had been 
deaf since he had the measles. In less than three weeks 



LETTEES FROM THOSE HEALED. 419 

both beliefs vanished. This was a case of absent treat- 
ment. I could give you other cases, but I think I have 
said enough to prove that Science and Health is not 
hard to understand, for my work has all been done 
without my ever attending class. 

H. H. B., New York City. 



A lady, with no other instructor than Science and 
Health with Key to the Scriptures, has demon- 
strated beyond many who have taken numerous lessons. 
Persuaded, through her reading, of the allness of God, 
— and the perfectness of idea, — she would know 
nothing else. A daughter so badly affected by poison 
oak (ivy), that for weeks death was feared from blood 
poisoning, had recovered with a terrible dread of that 
plant. As the next season's picnic time drew near, 
she was regretting that she dared not go again. The 
mother, with her new-born faith in the Science of Being, 
said, " Certainly you can go, for nothing can harm you." 
Assured by these words, the daughter went, and in her 
rambles fell into a mass of the dreaded plant ; but trust- 
ing to the word of Truth, she thought nothing of it till 
one who knew of her previous trouble said, in her 
mother's presence, " See, her face is showing red al- 
ready." But the mother was prompt in denial and 
assurance. Next morning, old symptoms were out in 
force, but they yielded at once and finally, to the posi- 
tive and uncompromising hold on Truth. Another 
daughter that was thought too delicate to raise, from 
bronchial and nervous troubles, always dosed with med- 
icine and wrapped in flannels, now runs free and well 



420 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

without either of these, winter and summer. The 
mother was recently attacked by mesmerism from the 
Church that believed she was influencing her daughter 
to leave. She overcame by the same unwavering trust 
in God, seeing Truth clearer than ever before. Her 
demonstrations come through no form of treatment, 
but by letting " Spirit bear witness," — by the positive 
recognition and realization of no reality but ever-present 
good. 

The other night her husband was attacked with an 
old belief similar to one that some time before had 
ended in a congestive chill which the doctor thought 
very serious, and from which he had been a long time 
in recovering. The wife simply recognized no reality 
in the belief, and, seeing only perfect being, felt no fear. 
She did nothing, — no "treating" in the usual sense. 
There is nothing to do but to understand that all is 
harmony, always. He felt the Presence that destroys 
the sense of evil, and next morning, — there was noth- 
ing left to recover from. 

A lady, while doing some starching, thoughtlessly put 
her hand into the scalding starch to wring out a collar. 
Recalled to mortal sense by the stinging pain, she imme- 
diately realized the allpower of God. At once the pain 
began to subside ; and as she brushed off the scalding 
starch, she could see the blister-swelling go down till 
there was but a little redness to show for the accident ; 
absorbed in her thankfulness, she mechanically wrung 
out the collar with the same hand, and with no sense of 
pain, thus verifying the demonstration. This woman 
(not reading English) only knows Science as she has re- 
ceived it from her Scientist during the treatments 



LETTERS FROM THOSE HEALED. 421 

received within the last month. So much has come to 
her from Spirit through her loyalty to Christ in so far 
as she could understand. 

A case of ulcerated tooth and neuralgia belief, would 
only partially yield after repeated treatments, till it was 
discovered that the patient was antagonizing Truth, by 
holding the thought that her old remedy, laudanum, 
would give relief; treated from this standpoint, relief 
was immediate and final. 



One morning after Rev. had been preaching to 

thousands for several days, he told them that he had 
never felt such a sense of depression nor had so little 
showing of results. Some Scientists hearing this, at 
once saw his trouble. He had been fearlessly exposing 
and denouncing evil ; and it had turned on him, till the 
mesmerism was likely to overcome him entirely, for he 
did not understand the seeming power. The effect of 
the silent word to uplift and sustain, was very manifest 
that evening in his preaching, and was a beautiful dem- 
onstration of Science. He probably only felt Spirit- 
inspiration as he had not before, without a thought as to 
what had broken the evil spell ; but we never know the 
what, or when, or where, of the harvest we can sow — 
" God giveth the increase.' , E. H. B., Sacramento. 



I had two German patients who were anxious to have 
you publish Science and Health with Key to the 
Scriptures in their language. I advised them to buy it 
and try to read it. They commenced reading, and now 



422 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

can read all of Science and Health, but do not read 
well any other book or paper, and they do not need to. 
With great love. M. H. P. 



I sold three copies of Science and Health with Key 
to the Scriptures, to friends, not long ago. One of 
them, fifty years of age, said to me, ' I never had one 
day's sickness in my life ; but after reading Science and 
Health, I found that I was bruised and mangled, from 
the crown of my head to the sole of my feet. I have 
been reaching after something that, before reading 
Science and Health, seemed to me unattainable ; ' 
and with tears in her eyes, she rejoiced in the God of 
her salvation. Did not Jesus say, " If these hold their 
peace, the stones would immediately cry out " ? 

P. L., Lexington, Ky. 



For eight years, I suffered terribly with my eyes : I 
could not read fifteen minutes without the most agoniz- 
ing sick headache. Oculists called it a case of double 
vision, and said that the only chance for a cure lay in 
cutting the muscles of the eyes. This was done, but the 
pain was worse than before. One of the most famous 
oculists of New York said I would simply have to endure 
it for life, as it was a case of severe astigmatism. 

I suffered so that my health gave way. A friend 
spoke to me of Christian Science, but I scoffed at the 
idea. Later on, in desperation, I asked her to lend me 
Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, 
thinking I might be able to read five minutes a day in it. 



LETTERS FK03I THOSE HEALED. 423 

I opened the book at Physiology, and began. Time 
passed unnoticed : every page seemed illuminated. I 
said, ' This is everything or nothing ; if everything, 
then you need no glasses.' I took off the heavy ground 
glasses, and went on. What a terrible headache I had 
the next morning ! but I fought it with the Truth laid 
down in the book. I said again, " This is everything or 
nothing," and the Truth triumphed. The headache 
ceased, bat I felt miserably. I recalled what was said 
about chemicalization, and persevered. 

In four days my eyes were well ; I read as many 
hours a day as I pleased : my strength returned. I 
conquered one belief after another, until now, strong 
and well, I meet every belief with confidence. ' I will 
fear no evil, for Thou art with me.' For two years I 
have realized the peace and confidence which the knowl- 
edge that God is all-powerful and always present, alone 
can give. Feeling a great desire to spread Christian 
Science that it may do the good to others that it has to 
me, not only physically but spiritually, I ask if you have 
any missionaries in the work. Being a member of the 
Episcopal church, I have always sent what I could to 
help foreign missions through that church. Will it do 
the most good to continue so doing, as pur foreign mis- 
sionaries are devoted men, or have you Christian Science 
missionaries who devote their lives to the work ? 

An answer addressed to me, or published in the Jour- 
nal, would help one who is seeking to do right. 

Yours sincerely, K. L. T. 



r 



424 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

I do wish to add my testimony of being healed by 
reading Science and Health with Key to the Scrip- 
tures. I had been an invalid for over twenty years, 
and had given up all hope of ever being well again. I 
had read the book about six weeks, when it seemed 
I was made all over new, and I could " run and not be 
weary, and walk and not faint." I did . not understand 
it, but it was the Saviour from death unto life with me ; 
I have remained well ever since I was healed, — more 
than five years ago. I commenced to treat others as 
soon as I was born anew into the kingdom of Truth : 
my patients were healed right along, before I had taken 
lessons in a class, and they have remained well to this 
day. 

Christian Science has made me as young as a girl of 
sixteen. If this should meet the eye of any sufferers 
who may be led to go and do as I did, they will be 
healed. * N. A. E. 



Language is inadequate when bearing grateful testi- 
mony to the book, Science and Health with Key to 
the Scriptures. By its simple reading, I was healed of 
ills which baffled the skill of specialists, and all cura- 
tives that love and money could command. After 
eighteen years of invalidism, and eight years of scep- 
ticism, without hope, with no God, — except a First 
Cause — I was given up to die. 

A loving friend told me of this book, which was soon 
brought ; and thirty-five pages of the first chapter were 
read to me that evening. The next morning I got up, 
walked, and read the book for myself. 



LETTERS FROM THOSE HEALED. 425 

I mention the chapter, for the reason that nearly two 
years have passed since those wonderful words of Life 
were fiist read to me, and still their sacred sweetness 
is ever the same. Now I exclaim, God is all ! 

Mrs. Mary A. R. 

It is impossible for me to keep still any longer. In 
1885, when I had not known a well day in five years, 
Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, was 
placed in my hands by a dear lady who insisted upon 
my reading it ; saying, she believed it would heal me. 
Like many, I was afraid of it, — until I learned what it 
really was. The friend's words were verified. I was 
healed by the reading of the book, and for one year con- 
tinued to read nothing whatever but the Bible and 
Science and Health. They were my constant study. 
Through the understanding gained, that God is All, I 
came to demonstrate with great success, and with but 
one thought, — for I knew nothing about giving a i treat- 
ment': I wish I knew as little now, for I believe that heal- 
ing in Christian Science is to be done in a moment. I 
became anxious to learn more, to study with the Teacher, 
but 'funds would not allow, — and I thought to substi- 
tute a course in Chicago perhaps. Every time I would 
speak of it, however, my dear mother would say : ' You 
have Science and Health, and the Bible and God for 
your Teacher — what more do you need ? If I could 
not go to the Teacher, I would not go to any one.' 

If I had only heeded the blessed counsel of Truth ! 

I went to Chicago, however, so full of confidence in 
Christian Science, that I supposed every one who had 
studied with Mrs. Eddy must be right. Unfortunately, 



426 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

I took my course with a spiritualist who had been 
through two of her classes ; discovered my mistake, and 
went to a mind-cure, — only to find the mistake re- 
peated. Being an earnest seeker for Truth, I tried 
again to go to the Massachusetts Metaphysical College, 
but it was uncertain when there would be a class ; so, I 
took a course with one of Mrs. Eddy's students in Bos- 
ton. The darkness now rolled away. Science and 
Health once more revealed the Light to me as of old. 

All this time, the mind-curers had me in view, and 
were sending me reading matter ; but, praise the Lord ! 
Truth is victorious. 

My dear brothers and sisters, let us be safely guided 
by the counsels of our Mother, in Science and Health ! 
I, for one, am astounded that I was so led astray ; but I 
did it all through ignorance, — and the sincere desire to 
know the Truth and to do it, saved me. 

Your sister in Truth, R. D. 



t have been reading Science and Health for one year 
and a half, and have had some wonderful demonstra- 
tions. People here are antagonistic to the Science, and 
tell me that I am a " fit subject for the asylum." Physi- 
cians threaten me with arrest, also, but I walk straight 
on, knowing well in Whom I trust. 

E. I. R., Wasueon, Ohio. 

A little over two years ago, while living in Pitts- 
burgh, my wife and I had Christian Science brought to 
our attention : we were at once interested, and bought a 
copy of Science and Health with Key to the Scrip- 



LETTERS FROM THOSE HEALED. 427 

tures. At the time, Mrs. A was suffering with 

severe belief of astigmatism of the eyes. She had been 
treated by a number of specialists, during seven years ; 
the last being the late Dr. Agnew of New York, who 
prescribed two sets of glasses. He said that he could do 
nothing more for her, as the trouble was organic ; that 
she must wear glasses constantly ; that if she attempted 
to go without, she would either become blind or insane. 
The glasses were in operation ; and still, life had become 
a burden from constant pain, when Christian Science 

came to our relief. Mrs. A had not in years read 

for two consecutive minutes, and could not use her eyes 
in sewing at all. The lady that told us of the Science, 
insisted that she could read Science and Health, which 
she actually did, — reading it through twice, and study- 
ing it carefully each time. After the second reading, 
there came the thought that she did not need the glasses, 
and she at once abandoned them, and went about her 
usual duties. In about two weeks from that day, the 
eyes were perfectly healed, and are well and strong 
to-day. E. G. A., New York City, 



My Dear Teacher : Yours without date is at hand. 

Could you know out of what depths of material debris 
the first reading of the first volume of Science and 
Health, six years ago last December, lifted me, you 
would believe it had always been " all I could ask." It 
was only words from the pen of uninspired writers that 
gave me pain. As the revelation of the All- Good ap- 
peared to me, all other books, all forms of religion, all 
methods of healing, to my sense became void. Chronic 



428 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

beliefs of disease of twenty years' standing, dimness of 
sight from the belief of age, all disappeared instantly ; — 
indeed, material life seemed a blank. The why? I could 
not explain, but this I did know : in this realm of the 
Real, I found joy, peace, rest, love to all, unbounded, un- 
speakable. Human language had lost its power of 
expression, for no words came to me ; and in all this 
six years of bliss, I still have found no words to tell my 
new-found life in God. The most chronic forms of 
disease have sometimes been healed instantly and with- 
out argument. With great love and gratitude. 

M. H. P. 

I take great comfort in reading Science and Health 
with Key to the Scriptures, and will cling firmly to 
the light I have, knowing that more will be given me. 
While in Salt Lake City, I met at the hotel a lady who 
had been an invalid all her life. I talked with her 
about Christian Science, and loaned her Science and 
Health together with the Journals I had with me. 
She had become very much discouraged, having lost all 
faith in doctors and medicine, and did not know where 
to turn next. She became very much absorbed in the 
Book, feeling she had found salvation. She at once laid 
aside the glasses she was wearing, and now reads readily 
without them. She and her husband have accepted this 
Truth beautifully. Mrs. G. A. G. Ogden, Utah. 

On a trip through Mexico, I met a woman who told 
me that, although she did not believe in Christian 
Science, on her way from Wisconsin, her home, she 



LETTERS FROM THOSE HEALED. 429 

had bought a copy of Science and Health. When she 
reached M — , she met a minister from the North, whom 
the M.D.'s had sent there because of consumption : they 
had given him two months to live. She gave him 
Science and Health, and while doing so, felt " it was 
all absurd." The minister read it, and was healed 
immediately. Was not this a beautiful demonstration 
of the power of Truth, and good evidence that Science 
and Health is the Word of God ? 

I had while in Mexico a glorious conquest over the 
fear of small-pox. There were hundreds of cases in 
some small towns where we were. After the fear was 
cast out, never a thought of it as real came to me or my 
husband, or troubled us in any way. On the street I 
met three men who were being taken to the pest-house 
with that loathsome disease. F. W. C. 



A lady to whom I sold Science and Health with 
Key to the Scriptures, writes me : 'My longing to know 
God has been answered in this Book ; and with the 
answer, has come the healing.' She is an intimate 
friend of Will Carleton, the poet. This is doing much 
good in the social circles. He has for a long time been 
interested, but his wife has declared it could not heal, 
and was not a Christian. She will now be obliged to 
acknowledge this healing, for the lady above referred to 
has been, to sense, a great sufferer. P. J. L. 



Some of the experiences given in the Journal have 
been so helpful to me, I have been moved to give to its 



430 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS, 

readers a little experience of my own, which occurred 
when I first began the study of Science 'and Health 
with Key to the Scriptures. 

I had already been healed of sick-headache, almost 
instantly, by declaring that I was God's child, and, as 
God is perfect, His child must be perfect also. This had 
given me great happiness, and a quiet, peaceful state of 
mind I never had known before. My family did not 
seem to see anything good in Christian Science, but to 
me it was sacred. 

One Monday morning, I awoke feeling very ill indeed. 
The morning was warm and sultry. I thought I cer- 
tainly could not wash that day ; but when I went down- 
stairs, I found my daughter had made preparations for 
such work. I thought, " Well, if she feels like washing, 
I will not say anything ; perhaps I shall get over this." 
After breakfast I went about my work, thinking I could 
lean against the tub and wash with more ease than I 
could do up the morning work. I tried to treat myself 
as I had done before, — tried to realize that "all is Mind, 
there is no matter ; " that " God is all, there is nothing 
beside Him," but all to no purpose: I seemed to grow 
worse all the time. I did not want my family to know 
how badly I was feeling, and it was very humiliating to 
think that I must give up and go to bed. 

All at once these questions came to me, as though 
spoken by some one, taking me away from my line of 
thought entirely : — " How is God an ever-present help ? 
How does He know our earnest desires ?" Then, with- 
out waiting for me to think how, the answer came in 
the same way, " God is conscious Mind." Instantly the 
thoughts came : " Is God conscious of me ? .Can I be 



LETTERS FROM THOSE HEALED. 431 

conscious of Him ?" I was healed instantly : every bad 
feeling was destroyed. I could see that the morning 
had not changed a particle, but I was oblivious of the 
weather. It did not seem that I had anything more to 
do with that washing. It was finished in good season, 
while I was " absent from the body, and present with the 
Lord." 

That was the beginning of the battle with sin and 
self, but at the same time it was the dawning of the 
Resurrection. Since then (over four years) I have had 
many experiences, some of which seem too sacred to 
give to the world. False literature has caused me 
much suffering ; sorrow has visited my home ; but, 
through all this, the light that came to me on that 
Monday morning, — that new and precious sense of 
omnipresent Life, Truth, and Love, — has never left 
me one moment. It was the Light that cannot be hid. 

Mrs. H. B. J., Cambridge, 111. 



HEALING. 

Four years ago, I learned for the first time that there 
was a way to be healed through Christ. I had always 
been sick, but found no relief in drugs ; still, I thought 
that if the Bible was true, God could heal me. So, 
when my attention was called to Christian Science, 
I at once bought Science and Health with Key to the 
Scriptures, studied it, and began to improve in health. 
I seemed to see God so near and so dear, — so different 
from the God I had been taught to fear. I studied 
alone night and day, until I found I was healed, both 
physically and mentally. 



432 MISCELLANEOUS WHITINGS. 

Then came a desire to tell every one of this wonder- 
ful Truth. I expected all to feel just as pleased as 
I did ; but to my sorrow none would believe. Some, 
'tis true, took treatment and were helped, but went 
on in the old way, without a word of thanks. But still 
I could not give up. I seemed to know that this was 
the way, and I had rather live it alone than to follow 
the crowd the other way. But as time passed, I had 
some good demonstrations of this Love that is our 
life. 

I am the only Scientist in Le Roy, as yet, but the 
good seed has been sown, and where the people once 
scoffed at this " silly new idea," they are becoming 
interested, and many have been healed, and some are 
asking about it. One dear old lady and I study the 
Bible lessons every Tuesday afternoon. She came to 
call, and as we talked, she told me of her sickness of 
years' standing; and was healed during our talk, so 
that she has never felt a touch of the old trouble since. 

One lady whom I had never seen, was healed of con- 
sumption in six weeks' treatments. She had not left 
her bed in four months, and had been given up by 
many physicians. 

Mrs. Florence Wtlltams, Le Roy, Mich. 

I like the Journal and Quarterlies, and have many 
of Rev. Mary B. G. Eddy's works, which make my little 
world. I have a great desire to learn more of this 
Love that casts out all fear, and to work in this Science. 
It is the greatest pleasure I have to talk this truth, 
as far as I understand it, to any who will listen ; and 
am waiting for others to learn of this blessed Science. 



LETTERS FROM THOSE HEALED. 433 



I give my experience in reading Science and Health 
with Key to the Scriptures, aloud to a little child. A 
letter published in the Journal, written by a lady who 
had relieved a two-year-old child by reading to her, first 
suggested this course to me. At the time, my little one 
was a trifle over a year old. I was trying to overcome 
for him a claim which, though not one of serious illness, 
was no small trial to me because of its frequent occur- 
rence, and its seeming ability to baffle my efforts. One 
day as I sat near and treated him, it occurred to me to 
read aloud. I took up one of the older editions of 
Science and Health lying near, began at the words, 
' Brains can give no idea of God's man,' and read on for 
two or three paragraphs, endeavoring — as the writer 
suggested — to understand it myself; yet thinking, per- 
chance the purer thought of the babe might grasp the 
underlying meaning sooner than I. So it proved. Be- 
fore the disturbance felt by me had been calmed, the 
weary expression on the face of the child was replaced 
by one of evident relief. 

When putting him to sleep, I had often repeated the 
Spiritual Interpretation of the Lord's Prayer. One 
night he was very restless, fretful, and cried a great 
deal, while I seemed unable to soothe him. At last I 
perceived that he was asking for something, and it 
dawned upon me that the Prayer might be his desire. 
I began repeating it aloud, endeavoring to mean it also. 
He turned over quietly, and in a few minutes was 
sweetly sleeping. 

The last time my attention was specially called to 
this subject, was about a year after the first experience. 

28 



434 MISCELLANEOUS WHITINGS. 

Various hindrances had been allowed to keep me from 
Science and Health all day ; and it was toward even- 
ing when I recognized that material sense had been 
given predominance, and must be put down. 1 soon felt 
drawn to read the book. The little boy had seemed 
restless and somewhat disturbed all day ; but without 
thinking specially of him, rather to assist in holding my 
own thought, I began to read aloud from page 423, 
4 Consciousness constructs a better body, when it has 
conquered our fear of matter.' In a minute or two a 
little hand had touched mine, and I looked down into 
a sweet face fairly radiant with smiles. I read it over. 
The child was evidently delighted, and was restful and 
happy all the rest of the day. 

A. H. W., Deland, Florida. 



A week ago a friend wrote to me on business, and, in 
the letter, stated that his wife had been very ill for six 
weeks. At once the thought came, ' Tell her to read the 
chapter on Healing, in Science and Health.' In my 
answer to his letter, I obeyed the thought. A few days 
after, I had occasion to call ; found her much better, 
and reading Science and Health. They had done as 
directed, and had received the promise. 

R., New York. 

The first allusion to Christian Science reached me in 
an article I read on that subject. Later, a friend came 
to visit me, bringing a copy of Science and Health 
with Key to the Scriptures. For two weeks I read it 
eagerly : then I sent for a copy for myself. When it 



LETTERS FROM THOSE HEALED. 435 

came, I began to study it. The Bible, of which I had 
had but a dim understanding, began to grow clearer. 
The Light grew brighter each day. Finally, I began to 
treat myself against ills that had bound me for twenty- 
eight years. At the end of six weeks I was healed, 
much to the amazement of all who knew me. From 
that time, my desire was to help others out of their 
suffering, and to talk this wonderful Truth. After 
awhile I took the class lectures, and am doing what I 
can to spread this healing Gospel. A. M. G. 



Rev. Mary B. G. Eddy. 

My dear Leader : I will try to tell you how I was led 
to Christian Science. Heretofore I have not tried to 
lead a Christian life, but have always firmly believed 
that if one truly desired and needed help, he would get 
it from God by asking for it. I suffered, as I think but 
very few have, for fourteen years ; yet I did not think it 
sufficient to warrant me in asking God to help me, until 
I gave up all hope elsewhere, — and this occurred in the 
spring of 1891. I then thought that the time had come 
to commit myself to God. Being at home alone, after 
going to bed I prayed God to deliver me from my tor- 
ments, this sentence being the substance of my prayer, 
' What shall I do to be saved ? ' 

I repeated that sentence, T suppose, until I fell asleep. 
About twelve o'clock at night, I saw a vision in the form 
of a man with wings, standing at the foot of my bed, — 
wings partly spread, — : one arm hanging loosely at his 
side, and one extended above his head. At the same 
time there was a bright light shining in my room, which 



436 MISCELLANEOUS WKITINTGS. 

made all objects shine like fire. I knew where I was, 
and was not afraid. The vision (for such it was), after 
looking directly at me for some time, spoke this one sen- 
tence, and then disappeared : ' Do right, and thou shalt 
be saved.' 

I immediately tried to live according to that precept, 
and found relief in proportion to my understanding. I 
soon after learned of Christian Science. One of my 
brothers in Kansas having been healed by it, persuaded 
me to buy Science and Health with Key to the Scrip- 
tures, wherein I learned that the above precept was the 
key to Christian Science ; that it is Christian Science to 
do right, and that nothing short of right-living has any 
claim to the name. (Science and Health, 433.) 

I have been learning my way in Christian Science 
about one year, and have been successful in healing. I 
have all of your books, and am a subscriber for the Jour- 
nal and Quarterly Bible Lessons. Some of the cases 
I have treated have yielded almost instantly. I am a 
stranger to you, but I have told you the truth, just as it 
occurred. Yours in Truth, 

Sam Schroyer, Oklahoma City, Ohla. 



I desire to make known the great good I have re- 
ceived by reading the blessed book Science and Health 
with Key to the Scriptures. Four years have now 
passed since I began to read it. It has been my only 
healer and teacher, as I never have had an opportunity 
to go through a class ; but I find that the Spirit of Truth 
will teach us all things if we will but practise well what 
we know. After two years and a half of study, I 



LETTERS FROM THOSE HEALED. 437 

thought, as many beginners think, that 1 had trav- 
elled over the worst part of this narrow path. 

Soon after, it came about that I was separated from 
every one who had ever heard of Christian Science ; and, 
as I lived in the country, no one came to visit me for 
about eight months. At first, I thought the Lord had 
wrought a great evil. I had no one to talk to, but would 
take my Science and Health every morning, before go- 
ing about my work, and read ; yet mortal mind would 
say, ' You can do no good, with no one to talk with.' At 
last, one morning after listening to the serpent's voice, I 
looked out at the little wild flowers as they waved to and 
fro ; they seemed to be a living voice, and this is what 
they said : ' Peace on earth, good will toward men.' 
There was also a mocking bird that would sit on the 
house and sing. For the first time, I realized that divine 
Love was the only friend I needed. Soon after, I sent 
the Journal to my nearest neighbor, by her little son 
who came to play with my children. Afterward she 
told me, that when she began to read it, she said to the 
family, ' God has sent this book to me.' Calling to see 
her one evening, I found her suffering from heart dis- 
ease. I began talking to her about Christian Science, 
and in less than an hour she declared herself healed. 
She is to-day a happy woman. I would say to all suf- 
fering ones that if you will buy a copy of this wonderful 
book, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, 
by the Rev. Mary Baker G. Eddy, and study it, and 
practise its teachings, you will find it a pearl of great 
price. Mrs. Fannie Meeks, 

Bells, Grrayson Co., Texas, 



438 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

On my arrival in New York last July, my brother 
spoke to me of Science and Health with Key to the 
Scriptures ; and, coming in contact with a number of 
Scientists all wishing me to procure the book, 1 did so. 
I read it through in the same manner in which I would- 
read any other book, to find out the contents. 

Before I got to the end, having partly understood its 
meaning, I began to demonstrate over old physical 
troubles, and they disappeared. A belt that I had worn 
for over twelve years, I took off, and threw overboard 
(being a seafaring man). 

Up to that time I had been a constant smoker, and 
chewed tobacco ; but I gradually lost all pleasure in it, 
and now look upon it with disgust. 

I was brought up in the Lutheran doctrine, and when 
a boy received, a good knowledge of Scripture ; but I 
never understood it until explained to me in Science 
and Health. H. F. Witkov, 

27 Needham Road, Liverpool, England. 

In a letter received a few days ago from one of my 
absent patients, there was such a glorious testimonial 
for Science and Health, that I feel as if I ought to send 
it in for the pages of our Journal, trusting it may be 
the means of helping many others to turn for help and 
comfort, in every emergency, to this book. 

In her letter, this lady says : " A few days since, I had 
quite a serious claim attack me. I left my mending, 
took Science and Health and read all the afternoon 
and evening, when all trace of the claim was gone, and 
I have felt nothing of it since." 



LETTERS FROM THOSE HEALED. 439 

When this dear woman applied to Truth, she was a 
great sufferer. Her gratitude knows no bounds. Many 
chronic ailments, which have bound her with heavy 
chains for many years, are being removed one by one. 
It is such a sweet privilege to lead her out of this bond- 
age of flesh, for she turns with such child-like trust 
and obedience to the book, and looks to that for aid in 
every trial and affliction. It is beautiful to see, and is a 
rebuke to some of us older in the thought, who depend 
so much on personality. 

She is far away, in a little country town, where Science 
has hardly been heard of ; but she is so happy with her 
book, that she has no desire for other reading. 

I have always tried to show her that God was with 
her there as well as with us here ; that in Him she 
possesses all ; and that with her Bible and Science and 
Health no harm can befall her, for the remedy for every 
ill, she has at hand. Mrs. C. H. S., Woburn, Mass. 



I have been an interested reader of the Journal for 
some time, and thought I would contribute my mite by 
giving one of my latest demonstrations in Christian 
Science. 

An accident occurred as follows : Officers, while hunt- 
ing for a criminal in thick underbrush, fired upon each 
other through mistake, and it was found that one was 
shot six times ; two of the bullets passing through the 
abdomen, and one through the hips. 

Two physicians who examined him had no hope. He 
asked me to help him. I took the case. Relief came 
almost instantly. I treated him for eight days ; the 



440 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

fifth, I heard one of three physicians who held a private 
consultation over my patient, ask him this question : 
' Mr. F , have you not got one bit of pain ?' I was re- 
warded by hearing him answer, ' No, sir ; not the least 
bit.' No one else seemed to have any hope for him ; but 
I held firmly to the thought that ' God is an everpresent 
help,' never doubting, and Christian Science has again 
won a victory. Many people call it a miracle, and it 
has set them to thinking. 

The harvest is now ripe and ready for the reaper. I 
wish some good Christian Science teacher would come 
and help us. I can help in my own way, but am not 
advanced enough to lead and teach others. I have only 
studied Science and Health a little over a year, and 
have not been through a class yet. 

S. G. Shroyer, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 



I became interested in Christian Science, through be- 
ing healed. I had no faith in doctors, therefore would 
not consult any ; but felt that something must be done, 
or I would soon follow a brother and sister who had 
passed on with the same claim. In my extremity I 
thought of the Great Physician, and took my case to Him, 
and realized that He alone could help me. 

A relative, finding I would not consult a doctor or 
take any drug, gave me Science and Health with Key 
to the Scriptures to read ; saying, that, although a 
dear friend thought she was greatly helped by a Christian 
Scientist, he himself had no faith in that kind of treat- 
ment, and had no use for the book. 

I had heard of the people called Christian Scientists, 



LETTERS FROM THOSE HEALED. 441 

and of their text book, Science and Health, but knew 
nothing about either ; yet I wanted to know, and took 
the book gladly, and was soon deeply interested in it. 
It was a revelation to me. Although I could only 
understand it in part, I knew it was the Truth, and 
the Truth was making me free. I felt that I had been 
bound and in prison ; and that now, one after another, 
the bonds were being broken, and I was lifted into the 
pure air and light of Heaven. I was healed before I 
had read half way through the precious volume ; for I 
was obliged to read slowly, and some passages, over and 
over again. When I came to page 304, line 10, 47th 
edition, I then and there felt that I must add my testi- 
mony, though already there were ' heaps upon heaps ' ; but 
since then, I have tried to put the thought of those dark 
days away from me, and only refer to them now in the 
hope that some one who is bound may be released and 
brought into the light of Divine Love, which alone can 
heal, and make us ' every whit whole.' L. M. C, 

Brooklyn, N. Y. 



I have been thinking for a long time that I would give 
my experience in coming out of sickness into the knowl- 
edge of health, by reading Science and Health with 
Key to the Scriptures. 

I was sixty years old (as we mortals count time) be- 
fore I ever read one word of Christian Science. On July 
2d, 1890, 1 met a Scientist who gave me a pamphlet 
called Christian Healing, by the Rev. Mary B. G. Eddy. 
At that time I was almost helpless. This lady advised 
me to buy Science and Health. I did so, and tried to 



442 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

read it; but my hands were so lame I could not hold it, 
and I let it fall to the floor so often that it became un- 
bound, and I laid it away and resumed my medicine. 

The following May, the Scientist visited in this city 
again. She advised me to burn all my medicines and to 
lean unreservedly on the promises of God. I took her 
advice * had my book rebound in three volumes, so I 
could hold it more easily, and now read it constantly, 
reading nothing else. Sometimes I would suffer in- 
tensely, then I would get a little better ; then more suffer- 
ing, and so on, until August 1891, when all pain left me. 
I have had no return of it, and no disagreeable sensations 
of any kind, and am perfectly well in all respects. 

Surely, if we will trust our heavenly Father, he is suf- 
ficient for us. I hope some one of, or near, my age, who 
is afflicted, may read this and take courage ; for I have 
demonstrated the fact that, by reading Science and 
Health in connection with the Bible, and trying to 
follow the teaching therein, one in the autumn of life 
may be made over new. I am so thankful to God for 
my great recovery ! 

That remark of Sojourner Truth helps me to a better 
understanding of Life in God. " God is the great house 
that holds all his children ; we dwell in Him as the 
fishes dwell in the seas." P. T. P. 



Until about one year ago, I had no thought of investi- 
gating Christian Science. Previously to that time it had 
been presented to me in such a way that I condemned it 
as unreasonable and absurd. At that time it was pre- 
sented to me in a more reasonable light. I determined 



LETTERS FEOM THOSE HEALED. 443 

to divest myself of prejudice (as far as was possible) 
and investigate it, thinking that if there was anything 
in it, it was for me as well as others ; that I surely 
needed it, and if I found no good in it, I could then with 
some show of reason condemn it. 

I had been reading Science and Health about two 
weeks, when one morning I wanted my cane : it had 
been misplaced, and while looking for it the thought 
came to me, if all is Mind I need no cane. I went out 
without it, have not used it at all since, and do not need 
it as a support ; but for a time I did miss it from my 
hand. I had used it for years as a support to a very 
lame back. 

I before went much stooped, because it pained me to 
straighten up ; but from the time I laid my cane aside I 
straightened up, free from pain. Occasionally I have a 
slight pain in my back, but it is nothing to compare with 
what it had been. 

In a short time after laying -my cane aside, my pipe 
and tobacco went out into the street and have not re- 
turned. I had smoked for sixty-five years, and chewed 
for fifty. I have no desire for either of them ; in fact, 
the smoke is offensive to me; 

Many times before I had tried to quit, but the desire 
for it was so strong that I would go back to it ; and 
when I tried to ' taper off,' I would make the taper end 
the longest. 

Many other ^physical claims have disappeared, and it 
is a common thing for acquaintances to say when they 
meet me, l You look better than I have seen you for 
years ; what have you been doing ? ' My reply is, 1 not 
only look better, but feel better, and am better; and 
Christian Science has done it. 



444 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

With all this, I seem to have very little spiritual 
understanding of the Truth ; am endeavoring to get 
more, but it seems slow. If there is a shorter road to 
it than I have found, I should like to be directed to it. 

J. S. M., Joplin, Mo. 

Four years ago I was healed by reading Science and 
Health with Key to the Scriptures. The third day, 
one of my worst claims gave way. The book was full of 
light, and disease vanished as naturally as darkness 
gives place to light, although it was about six months 
before I was entirely healed. 

Seeing this Truth in its purity, showed me where to 
take my stand ; and in defending it, I have the prince of 
this world to meet. Mortal mind has even called me 
crazy ; but what a blessing to know the nothingness of 
that mind, and that divine Principle governs all its 
ideas, and will place each where it belongs ! 

If our Master was persecuted, can his servants hope to 
escape ? I know in some degree what Paul meant when 
he said, I rejoice in tribulation, for when I am weak 
then am I strong. 

Many claims that have baffled the skill of the physi- 
cians, have disappeared through my understanding of 
Truth. What a blessing that we can break the Bread 
of Life to others, and so add to our crown of rejoicing ! 

S. E. R, Kansas City, Mo. 

A dear little six-year old boy of my acquaintance was 
invited by his teacher, with the rest of his class in 
Kindergarten school, to attend a picnic one afternoon. 



LETTERS FROM THOSE HEALED. 445 

He did not feel that he wanted to go ; seemed dumpish, 
and according to mortal belief, was not well : at noon, 
he said he wanted to go to sleep. 

His mother took him in her lap and began to read to 
him from Science and Health with Key to the 
Scriptures. Very soon he expressed a wish to go to 
the picnic, and did go. His father, happening to pass 
the place where the little ones were spending the after- 
noon, and somewhat surprised to see him playing, as 
happy and active as any there, called to him and asked, 
How long did you sleep ? The little fellow replied, I did 
not sleep at all ; mamma read to me from Science and 
Health, and I was well in a minute. K. L. H. 

One evening I was calling on a neighbor, and some- 
how the subject of Christian Science came up. I asked 
her what it was, and what they believed. 

She then told me of a friend of hers who had become 
a Christian Scientist. This friend had passed through 
great sorrow and disappointment ; her health had failed 
her, and her cheerful disposition had entirely changed : 
she could talk of nothing but her troubles, and was a 
most unhappy woman. A few years ago she visited my 
neighbor, who, greatly surprised at her changed appear- 
ance, — for she was happy and well, — asked where her 
troubles were. The reply was, ' I have no troubles. I 
have found true happiness ; for I have become a Chris- 
tian Scientist.' 

I became deeply interested, and asked if the students 
in Clinton had public meetings on Sundays. She replied 
that they had, and told me where they were. 

The next Sunday, I went. All was quiet when I 



446 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

entered, for they were engaged in silent prayer. Soon 
they repeated the spiritual interpretation of the Lord's 
Prayer. I shall never forget the impression that made 
on me ; all the next week. I heard the leader's voice 
repeating the first sentence. 

I was invited to come again, and did so. One of the 
ladies loaned me Science and Health with Key to 
the Scriptures, and offered to get me one, which she 
did the next week. I have studied it in connection with 
the Bible. I have greatly improved in health, having 
had only one attack of a physical trouble which caused 
great suffering, since that time, and that was a year 
ago. 

At first, I did not think anything about being healed, 
or of my physical infirmity. I only loved the sacred 
teaching. How true, that His word does not return 
unto him void ! The words of truth that my neighbor's 
friend spoke to her, were what first awakened me. If 
the one who first hears it does not receive it, it goes to 
some one who is ready, and it takes root and bears fruit. 

Mrs. G. H. L, Clinton, N .Y. 

About three years ago, I was near death's door, with 
various troubles ; also, was seventy years old. I had a 
desire to know something of Christian Science. 

I procured the text-book and studied it with a desire 
to know the Truth. At first all was dark ; but light 
began slowly to come, and at the end of three months I 
found my physical claims all gone and my eyesight re- 
stored. At the end of three months more, I had gained 
thirty-five pounds in weight. 

I had been an infidel, and the change from that came 



LETTERS FROM THOSE HEALED. 447 

more slowly ; but now I know that my Redeemer lives, 
and I am able by divine grace to make very convincing 
demonstrations. J. S., Hudd, Iowa. 

For a long time I have felt that I must in some way 
express my great debt of gratitude for Christian Science. 
1 know no better way to do so than to give an account, 
through the Journal, of some of the many blessings I 
have received ; as a result of our Leader's untiring toil 
and self-sacrificing love for suffering mortals, in giving 
to us the wonderful book, Science and Health with 
Key to the Scriptures. 

When I first heard of Christian Science about six 
years ago, I was satisfied that it was the religion of 
Christ Jesus, because Jesus had so plainly said, 'And 
these signs shall follow them that believe ; In my name 
shall they cast out devils ; they shall lay hands on the 
sick and they shall recover.' 

I had been a church member since my girlhood, but 
was not satisfied that my belief would take me to 
heaven, as I did not have these signs following — and 
this had always troubled me ; so, when I heard that an 
old acquaintance living at a distance had not only been 
raised from a dying condition to health, but her life had 
been changed and purified through Christian Science, I 
could hardly wait to know more of this Christ-like re- 
ligion, which was casting out evils, and healing the sick. 
1 searched every bookstore in the city for Science and 
Health ; at last found a copy, delighted to get hold of 
it, but little realized what a treasure it was to be to me 
and my household. 

At first it was like Greek to me, and I could not un- 



448 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

derstand much of it, but gleaned enough to keep on 
reading, and longed for some one to talk to me of it. 

After I had been reading it about a year's time, I sud- 
denly became almost blind. I knew no Scientist to go 
to, so went to physicians: they told me that my case 
was hopeless, that it was certain my sight never could 
be restored, and the probabilities were that I would soon 
be totally blind. 

I felt sure that Christian Science would help me if I 
could only fully understand it ; but there was no one 
from whom I could ask help, that I knew of. I gave all 
the time that I could use my eyes to studying Science 
and Health, — which at first was not more than five 
minutes about two, and sometimes three, times a day : 
gradually my sight returned, until it was fully restored. 

During this time God and the 'little book' were my 
only help. My understanding was very limited; but 
like the prodigal son, I had turned away from the 
husks, towards my Father's house, and while I ' was yet 
a great way off' my Father came to meet me. When 
this great cloud of darkness was banished by the light 
of Truth, could I doubt that Christian Science was in- 
deed the ' Comforter' that would lead us into all Truth ? 

Again I lay at the point of death ; but holding stead- 
fastly to the Truth, knowing, from the teaching of this 
precious book, that God is Life and there is no death, I 
was raised up to health, — restored to my husband and 
little children, all of whom I am thankful to say are 
now with me in Science. 

I had no one to talk with on this subject, knew no one 
of whose understanding I felt sure enough to ask for 
help ; but I was careful from the first not to read or 



LETTERS FROM THOSE HEALED. 449 

inquire into anything except genuine Christian Science, 
and how thankful I am for it! Since then, I have been 
through a class. 

I cannot express in words, what Christian Science has 
done for my children, or my gratitude that the light of 
Truth has come to them in their innocent childhood, — 
healing all claims of sickness, and showing us how to 
overcome the more stubborn claims of sin. L. F. B. 



It is a little over one year since a very esteemed 
friend, of this city, invited me to partake of the heav- 
enly manna contained in the revelation of Science and 
Health with Key to the Scriptures. I had, up to 
that time, been for fifteen years a victim of hip-joint 
disease ; this eventually confining me to my bed, where 
I had been ten months when the ' book of prophecy ' was 
opened for me. I was not long in finding the light I 
needed, — that gave 'feet to the lame,' enabling me now 
to go, move, and walk, where I will, without crutch or 
support of any description, save the staff of Divine 
Science. 

In proportion as my thoughts are occupied with the 
work in Science, does the peace and joy come in- 
wardly, that transforms the blight of error externally. 

T. G. K., Tacoma, Wash. 

I wish to acknowledge the blessings which Christian 
Science has brought to me through reading Science and 
Health with Key to the Scriptures. My first dem- 
onstration was over the tobacco habit ; I had smoked for 
at least fifteen years: I have now no desire for tobacco. 

29 



450 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

I was then healed of two claims which had bound me 
for ten years. My prayer is that I may be so filled with 
Truth, that I can carry the message to my brother man. 

F. W. K., Angelica, JST. Y. 



I take advantage of the great privilege granted us, 
to give my testimony for Christian Science through the 
pages of our much loved Journal. The blessing has 
been so bountiful that words can but poorly express 
my gratitude. 

A little over six years ago, a relative came from Den- 
ver, Colorado, to visit us. She was a Christian Scien- 
tist, having herself been healed of a severe claim that 
M. D.'s drugs and climate could not relieve ; and her 
husband having been in the drug business, she had had 
a chance to give them a fair trial. 

My sister-in-law did not talk much on the subject, as 
I remember ; but what was better, lived the Truth 
before us as she realized it. 

One day (a blessed day to me), I ventured to open 
Science and Health, and read the first sentence in 
the preface. I closed the book, wondering what more 
it could contain, this seeming to cover the whole ground. 
When my sister-in-law returned to the room, I asked 
her if I might read it. Her reply was, ' Yes ; but 
begin at the first' 

That night, after all had retired, I began to read : 
within forty-eight hours I destroyed all drugs, appli- 
cations, etc., notwithstanding the fact that my husband 
had just paid fifty dollars to a travelling specialist for 
part of a treatment. With the drugs disappeared ail- 



LETTERS FROM THOSE HEALED. 451 

merits of nine years' standing, which M.D.'s had failed 
to relieve. 

I now understand that my sudden healing was due to 
my turning completely away from material methods ; 
for I was convinced I should never use them again. I 
realized that God was my health, my strength, my Life, 
therefore All. As I read Science and Health, I won- 
dered why others had not discerned this Truth. Physi- 
cians, ministers, and others who had devoted their lives 
to benefit mankind. Yes ! why ? Because they had 
been seeking in the opposite direction to Truth, namely, 
for cause and effect in matter, when all cause and effect 
are mental. 

I mention physicians and ministers, because one class 
claims to heal disease, the other claims to heal sin, but 
Christian Science heals physically and morally ; it con- 
tains All. " Its leaves are for the healing of the nations.' , 

L. B. A., Memphis, Tenn. 



I was for years a great sufferer. I called doctor after 
doctor, getting no help. The last one, after treating me 
for one year, told me he would give me one year more 
to live. 

One evening a near neighbor came in and asked me 
to go home with her ; and as it was only a few steps, I 
did so. 

She took up a new book, Science and Health, read 
me a few chapters, and then gave me some Christian 
Science tracts, which I read, and one of them I almost 
committed to memory. 

I bought a copy of Science and Health with Key to 



452 MISCELLANEOUS WHITINGS. 

the Scriptures, and studied it carefully. I am healed 
of all those claims which troubled me so long. I was 
lifted out of darkness into light. 

M. J. P. Burns, Oregon. 

Chicago, March 19, 1894. 
Ret. Mary B. G. Eddy, Boston, Mass. : 

I wish to thank you for the true light that was revealed 
to me by reading your book, Science and Health with 
Key to the Scriptures, and at once adopting its teach- 
ing. It was one year ago to-day that I put on the 
armor, determined never to surrender to the enemy ; 
and you may know I have looked forward to this day 
with a great deal of pleasure, to show my friends that 
the Lord is constantly with me to help overcome all 
evil. 

Some said, when I first started in this new path : 
" Wait until you get one of your stomach attacks, and 
you will change your mind." For months they have 
waited, and are beginning to see the truth in my actions, 
that speak for themselves, and show that all is Mind. 

For nearly thirty years I had been a sufferer from 
throat and stomach troubles ; bronchitis, dyspepsia, gas- 
tralgia, and gastritis, etc., were the terms applied by 
my physicians. About eighteen years of that time I 
was engaged in the drug business, had constant ' oppor- 
tunities for consulting the best physicians, and took 
such medicine as I felt assured would cure me; but, 
only to be disappointed each time. 

The last few years I had been living on oatmeal 
crackers and hot water ; suffering more or less all the 
time, and could not eat anything else without suffering 



LETTERS FROM THOSE HEALED. 453 

intense pain. I felt as though I could not live many 
months more, and was getting ready to give up the 
fight, when a dear friend and neighbor, Mrs. Corning, 
left a copy of Science and Health at our home. At 
first I did not care to read it ; having been educated, for 
many years, in the belief that medicine can cure all dis- 
eases, I could not conceive of anything else to cure the 
sick. 

One Sunday, I had the curiosity to know something 
about this Christian Science, and read Science and 
Health. The more I read, the more interested I be- 
came, and .finally said to myself, I will try it. I took a 
large porous plaster and four thicknesses of flannel off 
my stomach, and threw them in the corner, saying, Now 
it shall be mind over matter, no more matter over mind. 
I filled a large basket full of bottles containing medicine, 
and put it in the shed (where all medicine should be). 
From that day I have eaten of everything on the table, 
and all I wished. Coffee was my worst enemy, and J 
had not tasted it for years without suffering untold 
agony. Several days passed before I cared to drink it ; 
then, one morning, I told my family I would commence 
to use it ; I did, and have used it every day since, and 
don't know that I have a stomach, as it never has caused 
me any trouble since that morning. 

I ani happy to say I have not used a drop of any kind 
of medicine, internally or externally, from that day, and 
I know that all is Mind. I read the Bible and Science 
and Health nearly every day, thanking the Lord for 
the years of suffering which have led me to the Truth as 
taught by our Saviour ; for I feel it was only through 
its victory over the suffering that the Truth could have 
been revealed in my case. 



454 MISCELLANEOUS WHITINGS. 

I have had some demonstrations to make over error, 
but each time it becomes easier. God is ever present 
and ready to help me, and I trust in him ; my faith is 
planted on a rock that is immovable. 
Yours truly, 

Frank S. Eberhart. 

P. S. If you think this letter, or any part of it, will 
help some one out of darkness into the light of Truth, 
you are at liberty to have it published. 



Having so many occupations and interruptions, I 
have not found time to read Science and Health with 
Key to the Scriptures, sufficiently, but will not on that 
account delay thanking you for its excellence. 

Henry W. Longfellow, Cambridge, Mass. 



I am an old school practitioner ; have served as sur- 
geon in two European wars ; practised medicine for about 
ten years in New York City and Brooklyn, until my 
health compelled me to relinquish my profession : I 
became a victim of the morphia habit, taking daily 
thirty grains of that drug. My physicians declared me 
consumptive, and abandoned all hopes of recovery. 
Shortly after this I made the acquaintance of a student 
of the author of Science and Health with Key to the 
Scriptures, who presented me with her works ; and as 
drugs did me no good, I stopped taking any whatever, 
save morphia, without which I thought it impossible to 
get along, and to my astonishment began to gain in 
flesh, and my ambition returning in proportion. I finally 



LETTERS FROM THOSE HEALED. 455 

felt that I would stop my loathsome habit of morphia- 
eating, and did so in one week, without any discomfort 
worth mentioning. For a test I administered one-fourth 
of a grain of morphia to the aforesaid Scientist, hyper- 
dermically, without the slightest physiological effect, 
clearly proving the existence of metaphysical laws. I 
have read Science and Health carefully, and consider 
my present improved health solely due to mental influ- 
ence. Otto Anderson, M.D., Cincinnati, Ohio. 



The profound truths which you announce, sustained 
by facts of the immortal life, give to your work the seal 
of inspiration — reaffirm in modern phrase the Christian 
revelations. In times like these, so sunk in sensualism, 
I hail with joy your voice, speaking an assured word for 
God and immortality, and my joy is heightened that 
these words are of woman's divinings. 

A. Bronson Alcott, Concord, Mass. 



I was sick six years ; tried many physicians and 
remedies, but received no lasting benefit from any of 
them, and concluded I must remain sick the rest of my 
life. In this condition, I purchased the book Science 
and Health with Key to the Scriptures, read it, was 
deeply interested, and noticed that my health began to 
improve ; and the more I read the book, the better I 
became in health. This I can say truly : it did more 
for my health than all the physicians and remedies that 
I had ever tried. 

Dr. S. G. Todd, 11 School Street, Newburyport. 



456 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

I had been a nervous sufferer for nine years ; had a 
belief of incurable disease of the heart and was subject 
to severe nervous prostration if I became the least weary. 

I was told that if I should read your books they would 
cure me. I commenced reading them : in ten days I 
was surprised to find myself overcoming my nervous 
spasms without the aid of medicine ; and ever since then 
I have been improving, and I now can walk twenty miles 
without fatigue, and have been able to rise above all 
ailments. 

Mrs. Julia A. B. Davis, 

Central Village, Westport, Mass. 

I would inform my friends and the public, that after 
twelve years of sickness I am restored to health ; and, 
with renewed vigor and keen enjoyment, take up the 
pleasures and duties of life once more ; all labor now 
seems less arduous, and all happiness more perfect. To 
Christian Science, as taught in Science and Health 
with Key to the Scriptures, I am indebted for my 
restoration. I can cordially recommend this book to all. 
Rose A. Wigglesworth, Lowell, Mass. 

When I commenced reading Science and Health with 
Key to the Scriptures, I could sit up but a very short 
time, and could not eat the most simple food without 
great distress. In a few days there was a great change, 
and I have been growing better ever since. 

E. D. Richardson, Merrimac, Mass. 



LETTERS FEOM THOSE HEALED. 457 

I have not been as well for years as I have been 
since reading Science and Health with Key to the 
Scriptures, all of which I impute to its teaching. 

(Mrs.) Mary A. Williams, Freeport, HI. 



Had been in ill-health for several years ; had been 
confined to my bed three months, when I got your book 
and read it. At first I was unable to read it myself, and 
others read it to me, and the Truth revealed in your book 
restored me to health. 

(Col.) E. J. Smith, Washington, D. C. 

I have been perusing with great interest your work 
on Metaphysical Science, for the last four months, and 
to great advantage ; you make the path to health so plain, 
that a wayfaring man, though a fool, cannot err therein. 

R. I. Barker, Bethel, Me. 



Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, 
* is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path ; ' 
your missiles of mind have battered down the illusions 
of sense, allowing life to appear an eternal monument, 
whose spirited hieroglyphics, truth and love, unlike 
those cut in marble, shall grow more luminous to con- 
sciousness, as sickness, sin and death fade out of belief. 

Arthur T. Buswell, 
Office of Associated Charities, Cincinnati, 0. 



458 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 



Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, 
is beautiful in its form of thought and expression. I 
have perused it with interest. Your book tends to lead 
us to new thoughts and practices in the healing art, and 
for many maladies I have no doubt the treatment your 
excellent work introduces will be the only remedy. 

(Col.) Rob't B. Caverly, Centralville, Mass. 



Undoubtedly Science and Health with Key to the 
Scriptures, is the greatest and grandest book ever pub- 
lished ; and that by pulpit and press it will be so ac- 
knowledged, is only a question of time. Yours has, 
indeed, been a pioneer work, and will be ; and I believe 
that you, of all the millions, are selected and chosen be- 
cause of your peculiar fitness for this great work — this 
grand work of opening the gates and leading the way, 
that fallen humanity may follow step by step, reach up 
to Christ and be made whole ! That all this should be 
systematized and proven with mathematical precision, — 
that there can be no guess-work or quackery, is simply 
astounding. Science and Health has given me a new 
impetus heavenward. 

M. A. Hineley, Williamsport, Pa. 

The book Science and Health with Key to the 
Scriptures, is the most wonderful work that has been 
written in the past five thousand years. I wish you 
could get ten dollars per copy. I am of the opinion that 
I can heal the sick on its basis from reading the work! 

H. D. Dexter, M.D., Dundee, JV. I. 



LETTERS FROM THOSE HEALED. 459 



Rev. Mary B. G. Eddy's book, Science and Health 
with Key to the Scriptures, has been duly catalogued 
and placed on our shelves for use. In behalf of the 
Trustees, let me convey cordial thanks to the earnest- 
minded author for this interesting contribution. My 
own idea is, that the power of mind or spirit is supreme 
in character, and destined to supremacy over all that is 
adverse to Divine order. William H. Kimball, 

Librarian New Hampshire State Library, 



I am reading the work, Science and Health with 
Key to the Scriptures, for the third time ; and I am 
convinced of the truth of the Science of which it treats, 
— instructing us how to attain holiness of heart, pur- 
ity of life, and the sublime ascendency of soul over 
body. C. Clement, 

Mt. Minnville, Warren Co., Tennessee, 



I was sick for a number of years, with what some of 
the most skilful physicians pronounced an incurable 
disease. The more I tried to get help, the worse I 
became, until a life of pain and helplessness seemed 
unavoidable. Two years ago I heard of Science and 
Health with Key to the Scriptures, began reading it 
and trying to live up to its teachings. At first, my 
beliefs were so strong I made but little progress ; but 
gradually my disease gave way, and finally disappeared, 
and to-day I am a well woman. I cannot express the 



460 MISCELLANEOUS WHITINGS. 

gratitude I feel for what the Light shining through the 
teachings of that book did for me. 

(Mrs.) Emily T. Howe, Norway, Me. 



I have been reading Science and Health with Key 
to the Scriptures, and feasting, — like a starving, ship- 
wrecked mariner, on the food that was to sustain him, 
— on truths which ages to come will appreciate, under- 
stand, and accept. Many of the theories which at first 
appear abstruse and obscure, at length become clear and 
lucid. The candle of intellect requires occasional snuff- 
ing to throw the clear light of penetration on the page. 
(Mrs.) S. A. Orne, Maiden, Mass. 



The mother of a little girl about eight years old told 
me her child was having a severe attack of cold, and 
was delicate and easy to take cold. I told her the little 
girl would be all right, not to give her any medicine, but 
read Science and Health to her. When I next saw 
the mother, she told me the little girl was entirely well, 
that the cold had all disappeared, and with it a claim 
of night sweats that the child had been under for more 
than a year. The little girl had been out sliding 
down-hill in the snow a number of times, had her feet 
very wet, but it did not affect her at all. They were 
all pleased, — especially the child, her face was beaming 
with happiness and smiles. This is just one little in- 
stance of the good that comes from reading Science and 
Health. T. W. H. 



LETTERS FROM THOSE HEALED. 461 



OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 

This is, perhaps, the most remarkable book on health, 
in some respects, which has appeared in this country. 
The author evidently discards physiology, hygiene, mes- 
merism, magnetism, and every form of medication, bath- 
ing, dieting, etc., — all go by the board; no medicine, 
manipulation, or external applications are permitted ; 
everything is done through the mind. Applied to cer- 
tain conditions, this method has great value : even the 
reading of the author's book has cured hopeless cases. 
The author claims that her methods are those used by 
Christ and his Apostles, and she has established a Church 
and School to propagate them. — Herald of Health, 
K Y. (M. L. Holbrook, Publisher.') 



The Christian Scientists claim that the power of 
healing is not lost, and have supported that claim by 
inducing cures astonishingly like those quoted from the 
New Testament. And even more good they hope to 
achieve, as this power which they possess is better 
understood and the new light gains strength in the 
world. Experience has taught us that the nearer we 
approach to the source of a report of miraculous power, 
the smaller does the wonder grow. In the instance of 
the Christian Scientists, the result has been rather the 
reverse ; if third parties have related a remarkable cir- 
cumstance, the person of whom the fact* was alleged has 
been found to make the assertion still stronger. — 
Boston Sunday Globe. 



462 miscellaneous writings. 

Science and Health with Key to the Scrip- 
tures, by Mary Baker G. Eddy, President of the 
Massachusetts Metaphysical College, is a remarkable 
publication, claiming to elucidate the influence of men- 
tality over matter. Mrs. Eddy announces herself as the 
discoverer of this Metaphysical Science, and receives 
students, to whom she imparts so much of her Meta- 
physics as their Minds are capable of receiving. The 
volumes are a vigorous protest against the materialism 
of our modern scientists, Darwin, Huxley, Tyndall, etc. 
Her Science of Mind was first self-applied : having been 
ill and treated by doctors of the various schools without 
benefit, she discovered the grand Principle of all healing 
to be God, or Mind. Relying on this Principle alone, 
she regained her health, and for the last sixteen years 
has taught this theory to others, and has healed the sick 
in all cases where the patient's mentality was sufficiently 
strong to understand her teachings and act upon them. 

— Brooklyn Eagle. 

The book Science and Health with Key to the 
Scriptures is certainly original, and contains much that 
will do good. The reader will find this work not influ- 
enced by superstition or pride, but striking out boldly, 

— full of self-sacrifice and love towards God and man. — 
Christian Advocate. Buffalo, N. Y. 

The doctrines of Science and Health with Key 
to the Scriptures are high and pure, wholly free from 
those vile theories about love and marriage which have 



LETTERS FROM THOSE HEALED. 463 

been so prevalent among the Spiritualists. This new 
sect devotes itself to a study of the Bible, and a practice 
of curing disease without mesmerism or spiritualism. 
It treats Darwin and materialists with a lofty scorn. — 
Springfield Republican. 

Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures 
is indisputably a wonderful work. It has no equal. No 
one can read the book and not be benefited by it in mind 
and body. The work is indorsed by some of the best 
men of the age. — Star-Spangled Banner. 



We shall watch with keen interest the promised 
results of Science and Health with Key to the 
Scriptures. The work shows how the body can be 
cured, and how a better state of Christianity can be 
introduced (which is certainly very desirable). It like- 
wise has a hard thrust at Spiritualism; and, taken 
altogether, it is a very rare book. — Boston Investigator. 



The author of Science and Health with Key to 
the Scriptures, which is attracting much attention, 
shows her ability to defend her cause with vigor. — 
Boston Weekly Journal. 



464 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

(By permission.) 

HOW TO UNDERSTAND SCIENCE AND HEALTH. 

My dear Friend H.: Your good letter of the 26th 
ult. came duly to hand several days ago, and I am not 
greatly surprised at its contents. You say, in substance, 
that you procured the book, Science and Health with 
Key to the Scriptures, which I recommended, and 
that to your surprise and disgust, you found it to be a 
work on faith-cure, and ask by what process of reason- 
ing I could possibly bring myself to adopt or accept 
such visionary theories. In answer to your very nat- 
ural question, I will try, in my own way, to give you 
what appears to me to be a reason for the hope that is 
in me. 

My religious views of fifteen years ago are too famil- 
iar to you to need any exposition at my hands at this 
time. Suffice it to say that the religion of the Bible, 
as taught by the churches, to my mind appeared to be 
self-contradictory and confusing, and their explanations 
failed to explain. During the next eleven years my 
convictions underwent little change. I read everything 
that came in my way that had any bearing upon, or 
pretended in any degree to explain, the problem of life ; 
and while I gained some knowledge of a general nature, 
I was no nearer the solution of life's problem than when 
I began my investigations years ago, and I had given 
up all hope of ever being able to come to a knowledge 
of the truth, or a satisfactory explanation of the enigma 
of life. 

In all my intellectual wanderings I had never lost my 
belief in a great First Cause, which I was as well satis- 



LETTERS FROM THOSE HEALED. 465 

fied to call God as anything else ; but the orthodox ex- 
planations of His or Its nature and power were to my 
mind such a mixture of truth and error, that I could not 
tell where fact left off and fancy began. The whole ef- 
fort of the pulpit being put forth, seemed directed to the 
impossible task of harmonizing the teachings of Jesus 
Christ with the wisdom of the world ; and the whole 
tendency of our religious education was to befog the in- 
tellect and produce scepticism in a mind that presumed 
to think for itself and to inquire into the Why and the 
Wherefore. I fully believe that the agnosticism of your- 
self and myself was produced by the futile attempt to 
mix and harmonize the wisdom of the world with the 
philosophy of the Christ. 

In my investigations into the researches of the savants 
and philosophers I found neither any satisfactory expla- 
nation of things as they seemed to exist, nor any solu- 
tion of the great and all-absorbing question, " What is 
Truth ? " Their premises appeared to be sound, and 
their reasonings faultless ; but in the nature of things, 
no final conclusion of the whole matter could be reached 
from premises based wholly on material knowledge. 
They could explain " matter " and its properties to their 
own satisfaction, but the intelligence that lay behind or 
beyond it, and which was manifested in and through it, 
was to them as much of a mystery as it was to the hum- 
blest of God's creatures. They could prove pretty con- 
clusively that many of the generally accepted theories 
had no basis in fact ; but they left us as much in the 
dark regarding Life and its governing Principle as had 
the divines before them. 

About four years ago, while still in the mental condi- 

30 



466 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

tion above indicated, my attention was called to what at 
that time appeared to me to be a new phase of Spiritism, 
and which was called by those who professed to believe 
in it, Christian Science. I thought that I had given 
some attention to about all the isms that ever existed, 
and that this was only another phantasm of some reli- 
gionist lost in the labyrinths of mental hallucination. 

In my reflections at that time it seemed to me that 
Life was an incomprehensible enigma ; that the Creator 
had placed us on this earth, and left us entirely in the 
dark as to his purpose in so doing. We seemed to be 
cast upon the ocean of time, and left to drift aimlessly 
about, with no exact knowledge of what was required of 
us or how to attain unto the Truth, which must certainly 
have an existence somewhere. It seemed to me that in 
the very nature of things there must be a great error 
somewhere in our understanding, or that the Creator 
himself had slipped a cog when he fitted all things into 
their proper spheres. That there had been a grand mis- 
take somewhere I had no doubt; but I still had doubt 
enough of my own capabilities and understanding to be- 
lieve that the mistake, whatever it was, was in me and 
not in the Creator. I knew that, in a fair measure at 
least, I had an honest desire to live aright, as it was 
given me to see the right, and to strive to some extent 
to do the will of God, if I could only know certainly 
just what it was. 

While in this frame of mind, I inwardly appealed to 
the Great unseen Power to enlighten my understanding, 
and to lead me into a knowledge of the Truth, promising 
mentally to follow wherever it might lead, if I could 
only do so understandingly. 



LETTEES FROM THOSE HEALED. 467 

My wife had been investigating Christian Science to 
some extent, but knowing my natural antipathy to such 
vagaries, as I then thought them, had said very little to 
me about it ; but one day, while discussing the mysteries 
of life with a Judge of one of our courts, he asked me 
whether I had ever looked into the teachings of the 
Christian Scientists. I told him that I had not, and he 
urged me very strongly to do so. He claimed to have 
investigated their teachings, and said that he had be- 
come a thorough believer in them. This aroused my 
curiosity, and I procured the book called Science and 
Health with Key to the Scriptures, and. read it. Be- 
fore reading very far in it, I became pretty thoroughly 
nauseated with what I thought the chimerical ideas of 
the author, but kept on reading, — more because I had 
promised to read the book than because of interest in 
its teachings ; but before I had gotten through with it, I 
did become interested in the Principle that I thought I 
discovered the author was striving to elucidate ; and 
when I got through it, I began again and re-read it very 
carefully. When I had finished reading this book the 
second time, I had become thoroughly convinced that 
her explanation of the religion taught by Jesus Christ, 
and what he did teach, afforded the only explanation 
which, to my mind, came anywhere near harmonizing 
and making cohesive what had always seemed contradic- 
tory and inexplicable in the Bible. I became satisfied 
that I had found the Truth for which I had long been 
seeking, and I arose from the reading of the book, a 
changed man ; doubt and uncertainty had fled, and my 
mind has never been troubled with a serious doubt upon 
the subject from that day to this. 



468 MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. 

I do not pretend to have acquired the power it is 
claimed we may attain to ; but I am satisfied that the 
fault is in me, and not in the Principle. I think I can 
almost hear you ask, What ? do you believe in miracles ? 
I answer unhesitatingly, Yes : I believe in the manifes- 
tations of the power of Mind which the world calls 
miraculous ; but which those who claim to understand 
the Principle through which the works are done, seem 
to think not unnatural, but only the logical result of 
the application of a known Principle. 

It always did seem to me that Truth should be self- 
evident, or at least susceptible of unmistakable proof, — 
which all religions seemed to lack, at least in so far as I 
had known them. I now remember that Jesus furnished 
unmistakable proofs of the truth of his teachings, by his 
manifestations of the power of Mind, or, as some might 
call it, Spirit ; which power he plainly taught would be 
acquired by those who believed in the Principle which he 
taught, and which manifestations would follow as signs 
that an understanding of his philosophy had been reached. 
It does seem to me, that where the signs do not follow 
professing Christians, which Christ said should follow 
them, there must be something wrong, either in his 
teachings or their understanding of them ; and to say 
the least, the foundations of their faith require a careful 
re-examination, with a view to harmonizing them with 
the plain teachings of the Christ in whose footsteps they 
profess to follow. 

I never could understand how God could be ever pres- 
ent as a personal Being, but I think I can and do under- 
stand how divine Principle can pervade every thing and 
place. 



LETTERS FROM THOSE HEALED. 469 

I never could understand how Heaven could be a 
place with gorgeous fittings, but I think I can and do 
understand how it might be a spiritual (or if you please 
mental) condition. Jesus said, u The Kingdom of God 
cometh not with observation ; " and, " Neither shall they 
say, Lo, here ! or,lo, there ! for, behold, the Kingdom of 
God is within you." 

"Knowledge (or understanding) is power." Since 
adopting the views of life as set forth in Science and 
Health with Key to the Scriptures, I have seen proofs 
of what can be accomplished through a knowledge of 
the Truth, which to my mind amount to demonstrations, 
and which no longer seem incredible, but which I do not 
ask another to accept upon my statements. Every one 
must see or feel for himself in order to be convinced ; 
but I am satisfied that any who will lay aside their pre- 
conceived notions, and deal honestly with themselves 
and the light they have, will come to a knowledge of the 
Truth as illustrated in the teachings and life of Jesus 
Christ : that is, that Mind, or Soul, or whatever you may 
be pleased to call it, is the real Ego, or Self, and that 
mortal mind with its body is the unreal and vanishing, 
and eventually goes back to its native nothingness. 

Truth is, and ever has been, simple ; and because of 
its utter simplicity, we in our pride and selfishness have 
been looking right over it. We have been keeping our 
eyes turned toward the sky, scanning the heavens with 
a far-off gaze in search of light, expecting to see the 
Truth blaze forth like some great comet, or in some ex- 
traordinary manner ; and when, instead of coming in 
great pomp and splendor, it appears in the simpleness 
of demonstration, we are staggered at it, and refuse to 



470 MISCELLANEOUS WEITINGS. 

accept it ; our intellectual pride is shocked, and we are 
sure that there has been some mistake. Human nature 
is ever the same. The Jews were looking for something 
transcendently wonderful, and the absence of it made 
the Christ-Truth to them a stumbling block. It was 
foolishness to the Greeks, who excelled in the worldly 
wisdom of that day ; but in all ages of the world, it has 
ever been the power of God to them that believe, not 
blindly, but because of an enlightened understanding. 

I always did think that there was something beautiful 
in the philosophy of life as taught by Jesus Christ, but 
that it was impracticable and not susceptible of applica- 
tion to the affairs of life, in a world constituted as this 
appeared to be. As I now view it, that belief was the 
result of ignorance of the real power that M moves the 
universe," — too much faith in matter or effect, and not 
enough in Mind or Cause, which is God. 

To one who can accept the truth that all causation is 
in Mind, and who therefore begins to look away from 
matter and into Mind, or Spirit, for all that is real and 
eternal, and for all that produces anything that is last- 
ing, the doubts and petty annoyances of life become 
dissolved in the light of a better understanding which 
has been refined in the crucible of Charity and Love ; 
and they fade away into the nothingness from whence 
they came, never having had any existence in fact, 
being only the inventions of erring human belief. 

Read the teachings of the Christ from a Christian 
Science standpoint, and they no longer appear vague 
and mystical, but become luminous and powerful, — and, 
let me say, intelligible. 

It is true, as you intimate, that this theory of life 



LETTERS FKOM THOSE HEALED. 471 

is much more generally accepted by women than by 
men, and it may be true that as a rule their reasoning 
is much less rigid in its nature than that of the sterner 
sex, and that they may be liable to scan their premises 
less keenly ; but may it not also be true, that they are 
of finer texture and more spiritual in their natures, and 
that they may be just as likely to arrive at the Truth 
through their intuitions, in connection with their logic, 
as we are through the more rugged courses ? If it be 
true that man is the more logical, the fallibility of our 
own reasonings very frequently becomes painfully ap- 
parent even to ourselves, and they are therefore not the 
safest gauge by which to judge others. 

I believe, myself, that when it comes to standing up 
for Truth in the face of the world, and possibly at 
the sacrifice of position and popularity, women possess 
the necessary courage in a much greater degree than do 
men. 

I had not intended to weary you with such a long 
letter, but after getting into the subject, I hardly knew 
where to stop. As an old and loved friend, I have given 
you a glimpse of my inner life, because I hardly knew 
how to explain my mental condition to you in any other 
way. . . . 



THE END. 




































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